Ilorin — The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, yesterday said it was high time the federal government carried out a holistic review of education policies to meet contemporary challenges.
Oba Ogunwusi, who is also the proprietor of Ojaja University, Ilorin, stated this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital yesterday at the maiden combined convocation ceremonies of the university located at Eiyenkorin, Ilorin, the state capital.
Ooni, who acknowledged progress made in the sector over the years, stated that a lot still needed to be done to rescue tertiary education from a 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."
He stated: "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 University since 2016 as Crown Hill University before it was renamed Ojaja and became the proprietor of the institution, acknowledged the challenges in running a world-class tertiary institution.
"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 to 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," he added.
Delivering the convocation lecture, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, noted that the country's future economy 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 to compete and find a niche in a globalised world.
"As the nation strives for economic resilience in this era of globalisation, 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.
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"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," the governor stated.
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 the Department of Microbiology emerging as best overall graduating student.
The VC lauded the commitment and vision of Oba Adeyeye for the Ojaja University, adding that the institution currently runs 13 fully accredited courses across faculties and plans are already in place to start more.
