Oyetola tasks Nigerian varsities on global standard

Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State has urged universities in the country wake up from their slumber and build capacity to meet global standard and overcome current challenges.

He made the call in Osogbo during the maiden edition of Tunde Ponle Annual Lecture under the auspices of Osun State University Global Affairs and Sustainable Development Institute held at the institution’s main campus.

The first lecture, ‘Building a Truly 21st Century University: A Task Beyond Government’, was delivered by the Speaker, House Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

According to Oyetola, the call becomes imperative to bring development to the country and make the impact of its universities felt in the present competitive world.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Benedict Alabi, said it was disheartening that universities in the country were still far from the base of the 21st century universities rung, which he described as national disgrace.While describing the title of the lecture as apt, he said it was a challenge to stakeholders in the university system. He then urged the stakeholders to truly play their roles adequately to make the country’s universities competitive.

“As a nation, we must all resolve to build institutions that will compete with their peers globally and deliver the development that we desire.
“The essence of this lecture is to galvanise the universities in Nigeria to meet world-class standard and produce competitive graduates. This should be first felt at home,” he said.

Oyetola called for review and calibration of critical issues like funding, staffing, alumni, town-gown relationship, administration, exchanges with foreign institutions, unionism and university calendar.

Taking these steps will make the universities in the country to effectively perform their tripartite functions of teaching, research and community service as well as enable them to compete favourably with their peers around the world, he added.He commended Tunde Ponle, a member of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) Governing Council in whose honour the lecture was organised to mark his 80th birthday, for his vision and passion for the state, the country and humanity in general.

“UNIOSUN should, therefore, strive to implement the outcomes of this lecture and other relevant instruments to be among universities in Nigeria that would meet world standard in truth and in deed.“This is when the vision of the founding fathers of the university and the Global Affairs and Sustainable Development Institute would have been met,” the governor said.