SPECIAL Envoy to the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Saturday, urged governments to prioritise the education of youths to prevent their involvement in armed conflicts across the continent.
Gambari made the call while delivering an address at the maiden convocation of the Kwara State University (KWASU).
The event was held at the permanent site of the institution in Malete, Moro Local Government Area of the state.
The envoy, who restated the role of learning, as bedrock of national development, said education should be accompanied with entrepreneurial skills to enable youths operate independently after graduation.
Gambari, who is also the Chancellor of KWASU, said Africa's growing youth population must be productively engaged to foster development on the continent.
He urged youths to keep hope in Nigeria alive and contribute their quota to national development.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Sha'aba Lafiagi, said the institution started on a sound footing through competitive recruitment of staff and a robust admission policy. He said the university has put in place social and infrastructural facilities to meet the needs of staff and students.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na'Allah, said the birth of KWASU was the result of diligent work by former Governor, Bukola Saraki.
He assured people of the state of the institution's determination to continue to produce quality students.
The Guardian