Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-owned Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN) has charged vice chancellors of state varsities to be more relevant to the social, economic and technological advancement of the people.
  
The advice was part of the communiqué issued at the end of the body’s 61st quarterly meeting in Abuja, where varsity heads were also urged to create a niche for themselves as masters of development of tertiary institutions in the country.
   
“COPSUN believes that the importance and relevance of alumni associations cannot be over-emphasised. It called on vice chancellors of state universities to encourage and cultivate their alumni associations to support the growth and development of the universities.
 
“It added that students should be treated well to create good memories in them after their graduation from the universities, as to be willing to assist if and when called upon by their alma maters,” the communiqué read.
 
The pro-chancellors congratulated both the Minister of Education and Minister of State, Prof. Tahir Mamman and Dr. Yusuf Sununu, on their appointments, urging them to create a synergy and good working relationship with COPSUN, besides seeing it as partners in progress for the overall advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria.
 
They reiterated the importance of university autonomy, and called on the relevant authorities to respect and uphold the principle, as recognised by enabling laws.
 
The pro-chancellors appealed to state governors to emulate the Federal Government that follows tradition where appointment of vice chancellors ends with the governing councils of individual universities.