Chancellor of Ojaja University, in Kwara state and a foremost Yoruba Traditional ruler, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, has called for an holistic review of Nigeria’s education policies such that it would tackle the contemporary challenges that are facing the country.
The monarch who made the call at the weekend during the maiden combined convocation ceremonies of Ojaja University, Eiyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara state also called on Friends of Oduduwa house in Nigeria and overseas, philanthropists, corporate organisations and well meaning individuals to support him to make the university a world class institution within the shortest possible time.
Ooni, who acknowledged progress made in the sector over the years stated that a lot still need to be done to rescue tertiary education from the current steady decline.
According to him,“While it is true that a lot has been done and is still being done to rescue the Nigerian Tertiary Education from a steady decline, the truth remains that a lot more still needs to be done within the framework of relevant and appropriate policy interventions and most importantly sound and flawless policy executions.
“No doubt, we all know that crafting a beautiful policy (if only on Paper) is not a problem in Nigeria. The real issue lies in their relevance, appropriateness, timing and tracking for the 21st Century.
“If Nigeria will turn things around for good as we desire and take its appropriate place in the committee of leading educational nations globally, then we need to have a comprehensive review of our policies, policy-making processes as well as policy implementation paradigm. That is what can change the narratives.”
The monarch who has been the Chancellor of the renamed Ojaja University earlier known as Crown Hill University acknowledged the challenges in running a world-class tertiary institution.
According to the monarch,“My experience has revealed also that running a World Class Tertiary Institution requires a lot of funding and capital investment. It is a huge challenge to build an environment conducive for learning and character development in an ever-changing world. The goalpost keeps shifting.
While I acknowledge it is daunting, it is equally doable.
“I want to call on all well-meaning Nigerians and foreigners alike, Friends of the House of Oduduwa globally, Corporate entities. Individuals and Philanthropists to please lend a helping hand by instituting grants, scholarships, awards and endowments, donating books and other learning support aids, building structures and infrastructures, providing technical supports and sponsorships to Ojaja University and support me in achieving the set vision and mission. Let me add that even though the journey has started, it is a long haul but with God, your support, assistance and encouragement, the destination will be accomplished in the shortest possible time.”
While delivering the convocation lecture, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state who was represented by his deputy Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru noted that the country future economic lies in growing skills, not in oil.
“I am mindful of the fact that our country is currently faced with numerous economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, a skills gap in the workforce, and a growing population of young people who need to be educated to enable them compete and find a niche in a globalized world.
“As the nation strives for economic resilience in this era of globalization, the role of education, particularly higher education, becomes crucial. Private universities in Nigeria have emerged as vital contributors to the production of a skilled workforce that can adapt to the evolving demands of the economy.
“One area where private universities can truly take the lead is in their focus on technology-driven and industry-relevant education.
“Private universities, which are not usually encumbered by some of the constraints faced by public institutions, have the opportunity to be bold and pragmatic in their approach. They can experiment with new teaching methodologies, integrate interdisciplinary studies, and create learning experiences that transcend traditional academic boundaries.”
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Earlier in his speech the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Jeleel Ojuade gave the total number of graduands as 183 in various classes across the faculties with Emmanuel Johnson of Microbiology department emerging as best overall graduating student.
The VC who lauded the commitment and vision of Oba Adeyeye for the Ojaja University said the institution currently runs thirteen fully accredited courses across faculties adding that plan are already in place to add more.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRazaq AbdulRazaq, was represented at the event by the Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Dr Mary Arinde.
The event was graced by eminent personalities such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Olaoye, who also delivered a convocation lecture, NUC Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki, JAMB registrar, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, VCs, traditional rulers, and academicians too numerous to mention.