Ambali seeks end to Boko Haram insurgency

 

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), has appealed to the Boko Haram insurgents to sheath their swords and embrace peace in the spirit of Eid el-Fitr, the festival that marked the end of the month-long Ramadan fasting.

Prof. Ambali made the appeal last Friday (July 17, 2015) in an interview with newsmen shortly after the Eid el-Fitri prayer held at the Ilorin Eid Praying Ground.

The Vice-Chancellor, who described peaceful coexistence as an ingredient for nation building, said the earlier those behind the insurgency have a rethink the better for the growth and development of this country.

Prof. Ambali described the recent upsurge in security challenges in the northern part of the country as a thing of great concern. He then called on government to, as a matter of policy, provide a holistic approach to stem the tide of the menace to enable the country regain its past glory.

The Vice-Chancellor, however, congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, urging them to sustain the virtues attained during the holy month.

Meanwhile, Prof. Ambali has called on the Federal Government to establish a Ministry of Peace as a way of curbing the menace of incessant insurgency in the country.

The Vice-Chancellor, who made the call last Tuesday (July 14, 2015) while featuring on a Yoruba current affairs programme, “Oro to n lo”, on Unilorin 89.3 FM, expressed the hope that the establishment of the Ministry would engender long-term policies for the resolution of all socio-political  crises in the country.

Prof. Ambali pointed out that if we can have Ministries of Defence and Justice, there is nothing wrong in having a Ministry of Peace.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that although some the government parastatals are already handling the issue of peace-building in the country, having a full-fledged Ministry for Peace would not be a bad idea as it would be in line with the practice in countries like Denmark? and Costa Rica among others, that are known for peace in the world today.

Prof. Ambali also commended the management of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas  Limited (NLNG) for giving the University $2 million for the construction and equipping of a world-class engineering research centre.

He said that this has gone a long way in strengthening the relationship between the town and gown.

Prof. Ambali disclosed that about 20 projects would be commissioned during the forthcoming 40th anniversary of the University.

Pointing out that the University was able to execute many high impact projects because of prudent and judicious management of available resources, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that more projects would be embarked upon by the University very soon.

Prof. Ambali explained that the University of Ilorin is the most preferred university in Nigeria because of its uninterrupted academic calendar. He assured Nigerians that more students will be given admission this year because of the expansion of some Faculties and Departments.