Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said on Thursday that the resolution of the stand-off between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, which led to the present strike by lecturers, would happen soon.

Fayemi, who said he had the opportunity to be part of negotiations between the government and ASUU in his capacity as the NGF chairman, said in view of the successes recorded so far, “we are nearer to the resolution of the of the crisis than people think.”

The governor, who spoke during the 24th Convocation of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, where 11,437 candidates bagged various degrees, appealed to labour leaders in the institution to always embrace peace and give room for dialogue in resolving many of the issues that might come short of their expectations.

He advised Nigerian graduates to develop capabilities to come up with uncommon innovations and ideas, describing these as the best catalysts to success in a 21st century economy.

Fayemi said, “This is a period when academic curricular of our citadels of learning should be tailored towards meeting the realities of our contemporary Nigeria and the antidote for its various challenges.

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“It is a generally acceptable norm that only qualified staff and students could innovate and steer the ship of our university system as well as Nigeria as a nation to our expected shore. Therefore, I challenge the graduating students of today to see themselves as the future of Nigeria. The earlier the responsibility of leadership is embraced by their generation, the better for them as a people and to us as nation”.

The former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, who was inaugurated as the institution’s pro-chancellor on the occasion, said, “This appointment will only further encourage me to continue joining hands with him (Fayemi) as we seek to make contributions to resolving some of the intractable issues currently facing this country.”

Sanusi, who said the university funding model, which relied entirely on government budget was unsustainable in the long term, charged administrators of tertiary institutions to “cultivate the alumni and advancement as well as make good use of them when and when needed.”

The EKSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Olanipekun, congratulated the graduating students, whom he said “had been found worthy in character and learning to be awarded various degrees at today’s event. I wish to felicitate your parents/guardians and sponsors for supporting you to actualise your dream.”