A former Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Tolu Odugbemi, has described as unacceptable what he referred to as ‘undue interference by outsiders’ in the running of the country’s universities.
Odugbemi, also the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Ondo state University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) spoke at the launch/public presentation of a book he co-authored in Lagos.
The book is titled: “Experiences on Starting a New University in developing Country Setting, Nigeria-OSUSTECH.“
According to Odugbemi, such interference allows for abuse of various processes for admission, appointments as well as promotion.
He said there was no gain saying that such factors make universities dysfunctional.
The author said Nigerian universities, often times, do not have steady educational policies, which is made worse by ineffective rules and regulations
“The curricular of our educational system should make our universities and other tertiary institutions products employers of labour, rather than job seekers.
“Corruption is drawing back this potentially great nation and what roles are our universities playing?
“It is also unfortunate that technology in developing countries is not directed at immediate challenges of making escalators or lifts function, getting simple means of transportation or finding alternative sources of energy.
“It is a known fact through the ages that universities are cradles for acquiring and disseminating knowledge, especially technological and innovative ventures relevant to social needs.
“We indeed have to reconsider and rethink how to redirect and reshape our universities to finding solutions to various challenges facing developing countries,’’ he said.
Odugbemi called on universities and their administrators to pay more attention to researching into social and economic ills, hunger, health, dirty environment, pollution and others.
Reviewing the 406-page book, Prof. Nozi Osarenren, Head, Department of Education Foundation, University of Lagos, said it comprised 10 chapters.
She said it was filled with experiences flowing with determination, perseverance, painstaking efforts as well as sacrifices with heavy doses of integrity.
According to her, the book, co-authored by the Unilag Registrar, Prof. Taiwo Ipaye and two others, reflects on Odugbemi’s intolerance for corruption in universities.
The reviewer said that the book is replete with rich pictures of virtually all the activities that took place during the tenure of Odugbemi as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of OSUSTECH.
Osarenren, however, drew the attention of the authors on the need to revisit what she described as some “editorial infelicities“.
“For example, the last sentence on page 22 is incomplete, as well as other pages that were repeated in the book.
“However, all these do not distract in any way, from the rich content and comprehensive experiences that are shared in the book.
“Having said this, I will like to conclude by recommending the book to stakeholders in education, proprietors of tertiary institutions and all those who sincerely are interested in quality education in Nigeria,’’ she said.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Bello, in his opening remark, called on lovers of education and other stakeholders to broaden their knowledge by learning from the experiences of others.
Bello said it was only by doing this that people could avoid mistakes of the past and forge ahead collectively for the benefit of mankind and development of the country.
NAN reports that Odugbemi was pioneer Vice-Chancellor of OSUSTECH from September 2010 to 2015. (NAN)