The Federal Government on Friday said it will not shut down the University of Maiduguri despite the increasing attacks by Boko Haram.
The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, made this known during a visit to the university.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported the minister was at the institution to condole with the university community over the latest murder of some staff by insurgents.
Mr. Adamu said the government would not truncate academic activities at the university because of Boko Haram.
Addressing a cross section of members of the university community, he said, “You demonstrate great courage and resilience to stay here to do your work despite the security challenges.
“We commend you and the government appreciate what you are doing; even to work in Maiduguri requires courage.
“Before I come here, I had thought of closing the university, but, after listening to the vice chancellor and seeing what you are doing, I am proud of you.”
Mr. Adamu noted he was ashamed to have nursed the thought of closing the school given the level of courage and determination shown by members of the community.
He expressed satisfaction the community was committed to keeping the gates of the university open despite the security threats.
“The federal government will not close the university and will provide you with all necessary support,’’ he assured the university community.
He, however, urged the senate of the institution to urgently deliberate on the how to secure the university in the face of worsening security.
The minister also gave words of comfort to the families of victims of the insurgency in the university community and prayed for the repose of their souls.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Ibrahim Njodi, said five staff of the institution were killed in the recent attack.
Mr. Njodi listed the deceased to include two geologists, two technologists, and a driver.
He also told the minister that two lecturers, one technologist and a driver were still missing after the attack.
“We are seriously concerned about their safety, we contacted the security to know their whereabouts,’’ the VC said.
He told the minister that the university had entered into a partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on oil exploration in the Lake Chad Basin.
“In our commitment to contribute to the country’s economic development, we defied the odds and joined the operation.
“Initially, we reluctantly accepted to go back and joined the operation, but we were assured of adequate security.
He urged the government to consider immortalising the deceased staff by awarding them post humous national honour.
