Chairman of COPSUN, Senator Joshua Lidani, made this statement in Lagos on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the seventh biennial conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria.
The conference theme was ‘Effective University Governance: Role of Stakeholders.’
Lidani, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of Gombe State University, revealed that the theme covers various governance issues within the university system.
He mentioned several challenges currently affecting the university and tertiary education sectors, such as corrupt practices, impersonation, irregular exam centres, inadequate funding, and the proliferation of universities.
Additionally, he expressed concerns about the discriminatory and premature dissolution of governing councils and boards of tertiary educational institutions, along with delays in their reconstitution.
“The indiscriminate and premature dissolution of governing councils and boards of tertiary educational institutions, coupled with delays in their reconstitution, not only constitute illegal acts but also create significant administrative vacuums that lead to various anomalies. The incessant strike actions by ASUU and other labour unions have had profound consequences on stability, quality, and standards. The proliferation of universities and inadequate funding further exacerbate these challenges.
“While this conference alone may not fully resolve these issues, it serves to raise public awareness about the threats posed to good governance, standards, and quality within the tertiary educational system. It is imperative for stakeholders to recognize the depth of these problems. Failing to address them promptly could lead to the deterioration of our education system, undermining trust from other nations. The sooner we acknowledge and resolve these challenges, the better.
“I have no doubt that this conference can chart a path forward and provide guidance on how stakeholders can effectively contribute to enhancing educational standards in the country,” he said.
Chairman of the opening ceremony, and former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, encouraged the pro-chancellors to formulate action plans to elevate their institutions to the level of competence and attractiveness seen in federal and private universities.
Gambari said that by doing so, universities would retain top faculty and staff, thereby attracting the best students from the pool of eligible candidates.
“State-owned universities should strategically carve out specific niches that leverage their unique comparative advantages to enhance their position in the educational landscape.
“Successfully achieving this establishes a foundation for creating and gaining recognition for their brand,” he said.
The keynote address was given by Prof. Nuhu Yaqub.
Also speaking, Emeritus Prof. Julius Okojie emphasised the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership among Vice-Chancellors of universities.
He stated that effective university governance could be achieved through productive collaboration among stakeholders.
The chairman of the national planning committee was Prof. Deji Omole, while the chairman of the local planning committee, was the Vice-Chancellor, of Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.
The conference will end on July 12, 2024.
