Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike says if universities must improve on the quality of graduates they turn out, they must get rid of lecturers that do not possess the right qualification and problem-solving research capability.
According to a statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Kelvin Ebiri, the governor made this assertion in his address at the 32 convocation and 40th anniversary of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Wike also suggested that the curricula of universities must begin to address the issues of skills, linkages to industries and relevant competences for job creation or self-employment of the graduates.
He stressed that for the universities to be reckoned with internationally as serious citadels of learning, creativity and innovation, stakeholders must find the means to address the problem of declining quality of graduates.
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The governor said that while the state government would continue to address issues of faculty shortage, the universities must do something serious about their curriculum, quality of teaching staff and research outputs, which must be at par with international standards.
“There is no use employing or keeping on the payroll teachers who do not possess the right qualification, competence, character and commitment to quality teaching and problem-solving research if our universities must improve on the quality of graduates they turn out,” Wike stated.
He explained that the zeal to expand access to tertiary education has informed the “unprecedented investments” that have been made since he assumed office in 2015 to upgrade and expand educational facilities in the state university.
Wike said his administration has completed and equipped long-abandoned buildings of faculties of Environmental Sciences, Management Sciences, Technical and Science Education, and Law in the University.
He stated that his administration has also initiated the College of Medical Sciences for the institution and approved the conversion of the Braithwaite Memorial Hospital to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
In addition, he said medical facilities have been upgraded to the required standard as a first-rate Teaching Hospital.
According to him, funds for the provision of necessary infrastructure and take-off of academic activities in the three new campuses of the University in Emohua, Ahoada and Etche Local Government Area of the State are already provided in the 2021 budget.