Don Calls for Establishment of Research Universities with world-class facilities

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)