Don tasks institutions on collaboration

Deputy vice chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe has stated that internationalisation of the education system would promote teaching, scholarship and opportunities among university students in the country.

He noted that when higher institutions partner two or more others from different countries, it would foster international cooperation and solidarity of such institutions.

Ogundipe spoke at a symposium on “Internationalisation and innovations in education and research,” organized by UNILAG in collaboration with Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom (UK).

He said: “Development of university education in Nigeria is connected to internalisation process of different educational aspects, research activities as well as improved congruent, flexibility and adaptation to social needs.

“The problem with the quality of university education is brought forward due to dissent from employers who complain that graduates are poorly prepared as a result of the oversaturation of the tertiary education market. The strategic plan for internationalisation will promote teaching, learning, scholarship and service opportunities abroad as well as on campus and throughout the region.”

Outgoing vice chancellor, Prof Rahamon Bello, expressed optimism that the university would soon be a hub for researches, innovations and collaborations in West Africa.

He recalled the last rating of UNILAG as 62nd in Africa and 2nd in Nigeria, a web ranking which he said the institution would improve on through strategic collaborations.

In his keynote address, vice chancellor, Aberystwyth University, Prof John Grattan identified human resources as the greatest wealth of every nation hence the need for deliberate efforts and investment in education, capacity building and knowledge acquisition.

Grattan who spoke on the theme, “Internationalisation of universities- exploring the global higher education trends and opportunities for a UK/Nigeria collaborative framework,” recalled the experience of Wales and how access to higher education was demystified and made accessible to indigent ones.