Pro-chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Professor Ayodeji Omole, has said Nigerian universities are already working in the shadows of death, narrating how the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) reportedly summon Vice Chancellors at intervals.
Omole stated this while delivering the 561st inaugural lecture of the University of Ibadan at the Trenchard Hall of the university, on Thursday.
He said as a result of the neo-liberal policies, focus has shifted from education being seen as public good to a commodity.
Such implementation of neo-liberal policies, he added, have led to commercialization of education, education seen as a commodity, erosion of academic freedom, chronic underfunding, increased bureaucracy, devaluation of humanities and social sciences as well as emphasis on entrepreneur and vocational training.
"Neo-liberal policies, characterized by an emphasis on market-oriented reforms, privatization, deregulation, and a reduction in state involvement, have had significant implications for Nigerian universities.
"An ideal university is more than just a place for acquiring knowledge. It is a community dedicated to fostering growth, innovation and positive change. It prepares students not only for careers but also for meaningful lives as informed and responsible global citizens. Universities are supposed to be the training grounds for producing critics who serve as watchdogs of the society.
"Just like a typical forest Engineer working in the shadows of death, Nigerian Universities are also already working in the shadows of death. This is as a result of deliberate imposition of some neo-liberal policies on the University system without critical analyses.
"Nigerian can no longer run an ideal University system, due to regular interference from the World Bank and IMF. Vice Chancellors are regularly summoned for briefings sometimes twice a week and therefore are not allowed to run the Universities, they were appointed to run."
Speaking further, Omole described the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) as a mismatch with university work structure.
"It is incompatible with the academic calendar, and a clear violation of the University Act. Therefore, it is illegal.
"Only in Nigeria is the database of scholars surrendered to foreign agencies in the name of cutting cost. The effects of which are threatening the very existence of the University system in Nigeria today, because it is now impossible for universities to recruit even cleaners," Omole added.
Omole also condemned the proposed introduction of Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) by the National Universities Commission (NUC) is another policy that will kill Nigerian universities.
"The proposed imposition of Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) by the National Universities Commission (NUC) is another policy that will kill Nigerian Universities, faster than expected. Nigerian government and their so-called developing partners should allow the University system to breath.
"The rigid standardization will definitely limit the universities' ability to innovate and design programmes to meet societal needs; because local content and flavour are ignored. It will kill innovation and creativity. We should rather be talking of quality and excellence, rather than minimum standard and lowering the overall academic quality, thus killing critical thinking.
"Unfortunately, many Directors of Academic Planning in our various universities are struggling to be the first to impose the scheme on their universities, in order to be in the good book of Abuja, for political patronage at the expense of the university system.
"I felt sad that the University of Ibadan Senate eventually caved in from its earlier courageous stand in opposition to this anti-intellectual policy that is designed to further put the university system under perpetual slavery."
He added that underfunding in Nigerian universities further compounded the running of an ideal university system.
"Under-funding in Nigerian universities has led to a range of problems that affect the quality of education, research, and overall institutional performance. This has manifested in the form of deterioration of infrastructure, poor facilities, brain drain/loss of talent, labour/student unrest, erosion of university autonomy, low morale among staff, decline in global ranking and reputation.
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"These affect productivity, commitment, and willingness to engage in advanced research or innovative teaching methods. In summary, the under-funding of Nigerian universities is a significant barrier to the advancement of education, research, and national development.
"Poor remuneration in Nigerian universities has far-reaching consequences for the future of the university system, affecting its ability to deliver quality education, retain talent, and contribute to national development," Omole added.
To address the challenges, he called for increased investment in higher education, better financial management, and strategic policies that prioritize the long-term sustainability and improvement of the university system.
