The director of current affairs at TVC News, Mr. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, on Thursday urged the government at all levels to prioritise knowledge and innovation in addressing social challenges and promoting sustainable development in the country.
He said the role of the media in promoting knowledge and innovation can not be overemphasised.
Kolade-Otitoju made the call in Benin while speaking at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Maiden Registry Lecture Series titled, “University-Community Engagement: Perspective from the Nigerian Society and Media.”
He said universities globally are not just centres of learning but also major agents of knowledge and innovation crucial for addressing social challenges and promoting sustainable development.
He said, “The Nigerian society and media largely view university-community engagement as a vital pathway to national development and societal progress.
“The media often highlights successful engagement initiatives, showcasing the positive impact of university involvement in community development projects.”
The media personality said that Nigerian society generally recognises the potential of university-community engagement to bring about positive change.
While noting that the potential for mutual benefits from university-community partnership is widely recognised as yielding collaborative efforts that address local challenges effectively, he said host communities of Nigerian universities are increasingly seeking greater integration and participation within the university system, demanding more benefits and contributions from the institutions.
“This includes seeking preferential treatment in employment, admissions, and contract awards as well as greater community development efforts by the universities,” he said.
The high point of the lecture was the unveiling of a book, “Symphony of Thoughts on Administrative Practice,” and the presentation of awards to former registrars of the institution with the UNIBEN registry Award of Meritorious Service (URAMS) and some notable personalities who bagged the Distinguished UNIBEN Registry Recognition Award (DURA).
