Education
Don Calls for Establishment of Research Universities with world-class facilities
Prof. Olu Obafemi
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Professor. Olu Obafemi of the University of Ilorin has called for immediate establishment of research universities ‘with world-class facilities’ in Nigeria to enable the country move forward in all ramifications of development.
Prof Olu Obafemi
Professor Obafemi noted that the establishment of research universities as proposed by his colleague, Professor Awhor Ogugua has become necessary ‘if we must contribute to global knowledge creation and accelerated development.
Obafemi made the call in his Convocation Lecture title; “The Role of University Education In A Society In Constant Transition” delivered at the Federal University, Lokoja as part of activities marking the 6th and 7th Convocation Ceremony of the University.
He noted that the establishment of research universities as proposed by his colleague, Professor Awhor Ogugua had become a necessity if the country must contribute to global knowledge creation and accelerated development.
The University Don who was a Guest Lecturer at the occasion noted that research universities if established would go a long way in ensuring that the nation had well-trained academic doctors (PhDs) that would transform the nation.
Prof. Obafemi hinted that for University Education to have meaningful impact on the society; “We must continue to link and contextualize our education, generally and specifically.
“University education needs to reflect our socio-cultural space, lest they become irrelevant. Given where we are now, we must engage vigorously in cutting-edge research at our universities.
“The effort by TETFUND to help the nation arrive at a certain research policy destination is encouraging. A National Research Development Policy is worthwhile. We must develop in that direction for a National Research Policy”
He also called for adequate funding of education, especially tertiary education.
He stressed that the future of the nation’s education lies in the hands of storytellers in the humanities, “where all the scientific and technological advancements will be given expression in human and humane values.”
In his opening speech, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi described the Convocation Lecture as very significant in reflecting upon the transformative power of education in a society that is in constant transition.
Prof. Akinwumi also described Education as the cornerstone of societal development and progress hence the effort of the University Management to be at the forefront of nurturing and equipping young minds to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving world.
He commended Professor Olu Obafemi’s lecture topic as it shed light on “How we, as university, can continue to evolve, innovate, and prepare students to thrive in a competitive world.”
The Vice Chancellor restated his resolve in providing conducive environment where learning, critical thinking, and discovery will take the center stage for more innovations and technological advancement of the country. (Ends)
The Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to making Nigeria a beacon of educational excellence, emphasizing the critical role of education in driving national progress.
This pledge was made on Thursday during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund to discuss two bills: The Federal Polytechnic Onueke, Ezza South, Ebonyi (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and The Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri (Establishment) Bill, 2024
Representing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Titus Zam (Benue North West) highlighted the Senate’s dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable development through education.
“Education remains a cornerstone for national progress,” Senator Zam noted. “Its accessibility to all Nigerians, irrespective of geographical or socio-economic status, is a priority for this Senate.”
He emphasized that the input of stakeholders at the hearing would underscore a shared resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s educational framework, expand opportunities for intellectual growth, and provide technical and vocational training for the nation’s youth.
Akpabio, through Senator Zam, assured Nigerians of the Senate’s dedication to legislative measures that promote equity, national growth, and prosperity.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, explained that the Federal Polytechnic Onueke Bill aims to bolster technical and vocational education, aligning with the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and enhance socio-economic conditions.
Similarly, Senator Kenneth Eze (Ebonyi Central), sponsor of the Federal Polytechnic Onueke Bill, emphasized that the institution would address pressing challenges in the labor market by focusing on skill-based education, ICT, and applied sciences.
“This initiative represents a paradigm shift for a nation grappling with high unemployment rates. It is a step toward advancing human capital development and securing a brighter future for Nigerian youths, particularly those in Ebonyi State,” Senator Eze said.
The Senate reiterated its commitment to legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening the education sector and creating opportunities for skill acquisition and intellectual development. By supporting these bills, the Senate seeks to position Nigeria as a global leader in education and human capital development.
The Federal Government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu for six weeks following an alleged bullying incident that was widely circulated on social media.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who emphasized that safety and discipline are paramount in federal schools.
According to Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, the incident involved a gang assault on an SS1 day student and raised serious concerns about student welfare at FGC Enugu.
The viral video prompted the ministry to establish a disciplinary committee to investigate, leading to the temporary suspension of the students involved.
Dr. Alausa has directed the School-Based Management Committee to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough probe into any possible external influences.
In addition, the government has introduced enhanced security measures at the college, with law enforcement presence and strengthened safety protocols.
As part of the response, the ministry will also provide counseling and rehabilitation services to promote a safe, positive school environment for all students involved.
The Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, has called for a comprehensive curriculum overhaul in Nigerian universities to better align with global trends and equip graduates with practical skills. Speaking at the 10th special convention of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association in Abuja, Dr. Olusi highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between theory and practical application in Nigerian higher education.
Dr. Olusi noted that while Nigeria is rich in human and natural resources, progress in technology and economic development remains slow due to universities’ focus on theoretical knowledge over hands-on training. He emphasized that significant investments in research and technical skill development are essential for positioning Nigeria as a competitive force in the global economy.
Echoing this sentiment, Ekiti State University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ayodele, called on alumni to contribute to their alma mater, emphasizing that alumni support plays a critical role in building a strong academic foundation and fostering innovative research. The institution’s Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, similarly urged alumni associations to prioritize initiatives that support university growth and student success.
Global President of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, Dipo Bamisaye, stressed the need for Nigerian universities to continuously pursue excellence to remain competitive globally. Dr. Wale Jegede, Chairman of the institution’s Board of Trustees, commended the state governor for his dedication to quality education, particularly through the appointment of capable academics to guide the university’s progress.
The convention also honored notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the university’s development. Among those recognized were Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former presidential aide Mr. Kingsley Kuku, Chancellor Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, Vice-Chancellor Professor Joseph Ayodele, and BOI MD Dr. Olasupo Olusi.
Reinforcing its commitment to the institution’s advancement, the Bank of Industry recently proposed a 2.5 billion Naira development fund to Ekiti State University, underscoring its dedication to driving growth in Nigeria’s educational sector.
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