Prof. Isaac Ajayi is the Vice Chancellor of Wellspring University, Benin City. In this interview with SEYE OLUMIDE, the administrator emphasised the need for improved budgetary allocation to the sector, and why the government must peacefully engage members of the various staff unions to avert incessant strikes in the ivory towers.
As a seasoned administrator and educationist, what do you think are the challenges facing the sector?
The major problem is the failure of government at all levels to prioritise education, which is a social service that should be at the front burner.
Education is basic, and should occupy a place of priority. When something occupies a prime position, it gets more attention, including funding.
We often complain of poor funding, but if education is prioritised as an essential service for all, regardless of race, career, or background, it will receive the necessary backing and support.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recommended that a minimum of 26 per cent should be set aside for education, but a serious country allocates far more to achieve targeted goals. For instance, we need to set specific targets, by a certain year, illiteracy level should be reduced to zero, and we should work vigorously towards achieving this.
Education needs to be prioritised, and we must set deliverables and targets and pursue them rigorously. Funding is secondary; the position education occupies is what truly matters.
Over the years, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been at loggerheads with the federal government over unmet demands, which have resulted in incessant strikes. Do you think the strike is a potent weapon for ASUU to drive home its point?
Strike action is damaging and unproductive. However, if people are pushed to the wall, they will react. While I do not support strikes, I also do not condemn them if they are unavoidable, as they are used to draw the attention of relevant government agencies to pressing issues.
However, strikes should be avoided as much as possible. The government should not be unresponsive to issues raised by ASUU. I would also advise the union to present its grievances constructively.
Strikes in Europe are often warning strikes lasting a few hours or a day, and are repeated over time without significantly disrupting the system. Perhaps this could be a way forward.
Prolonged strikes are destructive to the educational system, affect students’ learning and overall output. Half-baked and unemployable graduates are some of the consequences. These are issues that must be addressed.
How has the journey been for you since you came on board three years ago?
Leading this institution has been challenging, stimulating, and exciting. Some of the challenges include infrastructural deficits, academic expansion needs, and funding. However, these challenges stimulate us to do more, and God has enabled us to accomplish much in the last three years, and for that, I’m grateful.
Specifically, what are the challenges you have faced, and how were you able to address them?
Challenges are always present. For example, we still face infrastructural deficits and need more hostels, lecture halls and staff offices.
Academic expansion is also a challenge, as we need to introduce more programmes and deepen the integrity of existing ones.
Enrolment remains another challenge; we are not yet where we should be in terms of student numbers. Despite these challenges, we are optimistic that God will help us accomplish our goals. We are not deterred or discouraged.
How were you able to address the funding issue?
Funding is a challenge in every institution, but what is critical is fund management. Our main source of revenue is student fees, supplemented by occasional proprietor funding.
What have you done differently since you assumed office as VC, and where do you see this institution in the next five years?
If there is anything we have done differently, it is remaining focused on achieving our targets. When I assumed office, there were serious infrastructural challenges.
We have upgraded existing infrastructure and embarked on new construction projects. Today, we are better off in terms of physical infrastructure.
How does the university address social vices among its students?
We have zero tolerance for vices and provide our students adequate orientation and Godly training. Anyone found culpable or involved in unlawful practices is appropriately sanctioned. Parents also have a role to play in giving their children proper home training.
Many institutions are developing new and innovative courses relevant to the 21st-century job market. What is the position of Wellspring University on this?
We offer several innovative courses, particularly in the fields of medical sciences and technology, which are fully accredited.
Additionally, we strongly emphasise entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation. We have established a Centre for Entrepreneurship, which ensures that every student acquires practical skills before graduation.
Besides, all students are certified in basic information technology and computer skills before graduation.
These initiatives significantly enhance their employability in the labour market.
What legacy would you like to leave behind at the end of your tenure?
I strive to leave a legacy of academic excellence, godliness, and morality on campus. I want the institution to become a brand known for excellence in information technology, medical education, nursing, and management programmes. My goal is to make it a preferred private university in Nigeria, recognised both locally and globally.
