By Garbriella Ogbu
Academics and university officials have voiced their concerns regarding the myriad challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education system, highlighting the pressing need to produce high-caliber graduates despite these obstacles.
Mr. William Olufunmi, Head of Public Relations at Elizade University in Ilara Mokin, Ondo State, revealed that academics convened at the institution for an extensive discussion aimed at advancing its academic stature.
The two-day retreat, attended by 96 distinguished academics and personnel from various universities, saw Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, Pro-Chancellor of Elizade University and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, deliver a keynote address on university governance in Nigeria’s current economic climate.
Bamiro underscored the internal and external pressures impacting the university system, criticizing the government’s perception of education as a liability rather than an investment. He urged academic and non-academic staff to prioritize innovation, creativity, and soft skills to produce globally competitive graduates.
Prof. Kayode Thadius, Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, emphasized the role of strategic leadership in effective university administration, stressing the importance of timely decision-making to prevent operational bottlenecks.
Addressing curriculum enhancement and pedagogical approaches, a presentation by Ijadunola highlighted the necessity of clearly defined objectives and interactive teaching methods to engage 21st-century learners effectively.
The session concluded with a poignant reminder from the don: “Adapting outdated teaching methods for today’s students will yield limited results.”
