The Vice Chancellor of Augustine University, Ilara Epe, Lagos State, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, believes the country requires graduates capable of making significant impact rather than simply holding degrees. He spoke to MOYOSORE SALAMI on why private universities should be included in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), among other issues.

As an aeronautical engineer, how did you end up in the teaching profession?
When I finished my PhD, I came back to Nigeria and I had so many appointment offers from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Lagos, the University of Ibadan, the University of Ilorin and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).

Then for some reasons, I chose Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Mechanical Engineering department. I taught for a while before I decided to go back to the United States of America. When I came back, I started working in the industry. After some time, one of my professors called me back to join him, which I refused. I told him he would not be able to pay me, as I was getting paid higher in the industry. He said, ‘okay, I will talk to the president since you are an alumni, the school can agree on some terms.’ So, I went back and started lecturing. From there I went to Texas Southern University; I became a Professor and the rest is history. I know both the practical and theoretical aspects.

How has the experience been as a Vice Chancellor?
Teaching experience has been good. I’m still doing research and publishing every year, even though I’m a vice chancellor. At Kwara State University, I was the Head of Department, Aeronautics and Astronautics, and also, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. My students designed planes and drones. So, I think I have put my effort in developing the engineering field in Nigeria.
After many years of serving as the Vice Chancellor of Augustine University, would you say that your vision for this institution has been achieved?
The university’s vision is an ongoing and evolving journey, but to date, we have been steadfastly following the vision set by Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, which places a strong emphasis on both learning and character development.
We believe we have made significant progress in achieving this vision. While we acknowledge that no system is perfect, it’s imperative that our students fully embrace the core principles of learning diligently and nurturing their own character.
We firmly believe that one’s character holds more weight than their educational qualifications, and this remains a fundamental aspect of our vision. We are dedicated to maintaining this vision and ensuring our students continue to imbibe these essential values.


What do you see as the most significant challenges and opportunities in higher education today, and how do you plan to address them at Augustine University?
It’s crucial for us to revisit the standards, systems and curricula we have been running. These educational frameworks have been in place since the inception of education in Nigeria. However, the world is evolving, and the traditional methods we have been employing may no longer be suitable for equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need.
To keep pace with global developments, we must adapt our educational standards, draw inspiration from international models and craft a curriculum that reflects the changing demands of the world. The National Universities Commission (NUC) is making commendable efforts in this regard, actively seeking input from universities and departments. This engagement is vital, as it enables us to remain responsive to the dynamic nature of education.
In essence, Nigeria should shift its perspective towards what we can do for ourselves, rather than solely relying on external solutions.

How will you ensure that Augustine University remains competitive and innovative in a rapidly changing educational landscape?
Sustaining innovation in our educational approach hinges on the courses we provide. It is essential that we offer programmes that not only align with global standards but also ensure our students are practical oriented.
The emphasis should shift from mere theoretical knowledge, as we have absorbed vast amounts of theory over the years. What is crucial now is to bridge the gap between theory and practical application.
High school students globally are already delving into practical projects like drone design, and universities in Nigeria should certainly take this further. In disciplines like engineering, universities ought to spearhead innovations surpassing drones, robotics and rockets, ensuring that students are not only well-versed in theory but also excel in hands-on, real-world applications.

In your opinion, what role should technology and digital education play in the future of higher education, and how will you integrate these aspects at Augustine University?
Take our Computer Science department as an example. We are proactively recruiting professionals with industry experience, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This approach fosters a dynamic interaction between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Our goal is not necessarily to churn out the best product from the start, but rather to create a strong foundation for continual improvement.
If you introduce a somewhat rudimentary car design today, over the course of five years, fresh waves of students will come in, brimming with innovative ideas. Through these iterative processes, we can refine and enhance our creations. This would become a long-term vision for Nigeria to emerge as a producer of cars, airplanes and various other products, gradually advancing towards self-sufficiency and innovation.

What steps will you take to enhance student success, including retention and graduation rates?
It’s imperative that our students go beyond mere theoretical learning, even in fields like Political Science. We aim to equip them with the practical application of their knowledge, ensuring they stand out when they engage in discussions or actions outside the classroom.
In the realm of the sciences, we are committed to making our science-based courses practical and hands-on, mirroring the approach taken by developed nations. This approach will lead to the creation of certifications in various fields.
For example, in Accounting, we will offer certification from ICAN. In Computer Science, students will gain certificates in specialised areas such as cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI). In Nursing, we are introducing coding skills into the curriculum, recognising that in a competitive global market, having such additional skills makes our students more employable, even when they go abroad.


What is your take on the inclusion of private universities in TETFund interventions?
I have consistently emphasised that excluding private universities from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is not in the best interest of Nigeria’s educational system. If we examine how TETFund funding is generated, it originates from a percentage contributed by those working in various industries. So, why exclude a portion of our population? If private universities were included, the government could stimulate serious research initiatives.
I believe that private universities should be allowed to access TETFund for research purposes. Even if they aren’t primarily focused on capital projects, they can engage in research by writing proposals, obtaining funding, conducting research and publishing their findings.
This way, they can contribute to global knowledge, and Nigeria, as a whole, can benefit. It is worth noting that whether with limited resources or abundant resources, Nigerians continue to excel worldwide.

The Federal Government is currently considering 172 fresh applications for private universities. Do you think this is necessary at a time when the existing universities are struggling?
The introduction of 172 new applications for private universities is a promising development, but it must come with stringent standards. The last thing Nigeria needs is the influx of universities producing mediocre graduates who just possess degrees. What the country truly requires are institutions that produce high-performing individuals. It is imperative that universities adhere to rigorous standards, and it is the responsibility of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to ensure these standards are maintained.
Before expanding the number of universities, it’s advisable for the government to invest more in the existing institutions and evaluate their performance. Pumping resources into established universities allows for effective monitoring and management, ensuring that they deliver quality education. There are numerous universities that have been granted licences but have yet to make meaningful progress; some merely consist of two buildings. If you allow such institutions to admit students seeking degrees without proper facilities in place, what do you expect from such students?
The Federal Government should concentrate on improving the existing universities, ensuring they perform well; then these institutions that have excelled would serve as incubators and role models for new universities.

What strategies should be put in place to ensure the quality of teaching and learning in Nigerian universities, including faculty development and curriculum enhancements?
The National Universities Commission (NUC) is beginning to address curriculum issues, but it’s essential that universities prioritise bringing in qualified individuals. The selection process for faculty should go beyond mere employment and focus on their ability to excel in their roles. A candidate’s track record, past achievements and what they can contribute to the institution are crucial considerations. I ask questions like: What have you accomplished? What can you offer to enrich our students’ educational experience?
Can you effectively engage with students and use your experience to enhance their learning? It’s important to introduce various teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles. Some students excel in practical scenarios that they cannot just sit down and take exams; if you give them exams they will either get Cs and Ds but if you try them in the laboratory they perform better than professors. We need to encourage different types of learning and nurture their abilities.
Regarding the relevance of courses, it is my belief that every course introduced can find utility, even if it might not be immediately apparent. Take psychology, for instance; many individuals may benefit from the services of a psychologist, even if the need is not always obvious. Philosophy has a rich history of shaping scientific thought, and understanding the philosophical foundations of a field can be enlightening. History is another subject that should be reinstated in our educational system. It’s essential for understanding our past, identifying mistakes and guiding future improvements. We’ve neglected history, and it’s time to reintroduce it into our curriculum. Knowing our history empowers us to make better decisions.
It is also crucial for Nigerians to contribute by writing books, not only in English but in their native languages. Chinese, Koreans and Indians write all their engineering, sciences in their languages, making it easier for students to understand. When learning in English, many individuals, including myself, often translate the material into their native language. Teaching and learning in local languages can lead to a deeper understanding and more effective education.
Ultimately, the subjects in our curriculum are valuable as long as we utilise them effectively. They can serve as catalysts for the advancement of our people and the nation. ‎