AVCNU:VCs storm Canaanland for Confab
By Emmanuel Edukugho
Vice Chancellors of all the 117 universities in Nigeria including registrars, bursars and librarians are in Covenant University, Canaanland, Ota, for the 26th Conference of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU). This is the first time a private university is hosting the conference for four days.
The theme is “Leadership and Governance in Nigerian Universities: Global Imperatives for Driving Quality and Maximising Performance.”
Chief host, Professor Aize Obayan, Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, set the ball rolling on Tuesday when she addressed a special press conference to explain the purpose of the meeting.
The university got the hosting right at the 25th edition of AVCNU Conference in Osun State University, Oshogbo in 2010. AVCNU Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Olayiwola Adigun said the organisation is a rallying point for all VCs and ensure unity among them as platform to discuss issues concerning the university system.
Speakers who can deliver, with experience, made various presentations on how to move the Nigerian university system forward, while the keynote address was given by Dr. David Oyedepo, Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota.
L-R : •Prof Makinde,•Prof Obayan and •Prof Sofoluwe
Other speakers were Professor Peter Okebukola, Pro-Chancellor, Osun State University/Crawford University, Igbesa whose presentation was titled “Nigerian Universities and World Ranking; Issues, Strategies and Forward Planning.”
Prof. T.O. Olagbemiro, Vice-Chancellor, Bowen University, IWO, delivered a paper on “The Nigerian University System: In Pursuit of Relevance,” Professor Aize Obayan, VC, Covenant University spoke on “Quality Assurance and management Drivers in the 21st Century University,” Prof. Omotade Aina of Carnegie Foundation USA with a presentation on “Raising the Next Generation of Graduates: Current Realities and Signposts Towards the Future,” while {Prof. Bramwell Osula, School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Regents University, Virginia, USA, handled the topic – “Leadership Models and University Governance – Instituting Global Best Practices.”
Prof. Oyebanji Oyeyinka, UN Habitat, UN Complex, Nairobi, Kenya, dwelt on “Nigerian Universities and Global Trends in Higher Education,” Engineer B.U. Bindir, D-G, NOTAP, Abuja, made a presentation on “Standards and Profiling in the Nigerian University System: Project Development, innovation and Intellectual Property Rights,” Prof. O.A. Bamiro, Immediate past VC, University of Ibadan, presentation was “Innovative Financial Practices for Enhanced University Performance,” while Prof. W.W. Mbarika. Executive Director, International Centre for Information Technology and Development, USA, presented paper on “Making ICT a Reality for Africa Higher Education: Research, Training and Funding.”
According to Aize Obayan,
while responding to questions, noted the need for a platform for the kind of leadership that gets results, with visionary mission. University products must be able to prove their brilliance, justify the first class degrees awarded, and be able to compete favourably with others in the world. If they cannot do so, it will show, indicating that the first class awarded was not properly earned.
She supported the call for drastic review of university curricular which should not be static.
“Establishing university is a serious business. Facilities, equipment, infrastructure in some universities are obsolete. Courses like Engineering, Science, required Laboratories and equipment that are very expensive. It’s not so in Arts.”
Obayan decried waste and misappropriation of funds, saying that in Covenant University, issue of non-accountability is taken very seriously.
“We must rise up to core leadership quality, identify where we can go from here, showcase best practices, not just theororising. The taste of the pudding is in the eating.”
On affirmative action to get more women vice-chancellors into the system, she said that, “in the university, we are looking for merit, excellence and excellence, not gender balance. Affirmative action won’t thrive.
Identify great skills, acumen, quality leadership, and if women have these, then wonderful” she recalled that when Professor Grace Alele-Williams was appointed first woman Vice-Chancellor, she said she does not want to be seen as female Vice-Chancellor, but Vice-Chancellor. The terrain is changing and more women are now coming on board.
Obayan reiterated that university education is expensive and returns on investment are not immediate. It takes a long time. She called for more focus and adequate funding of education as the products will come back to contribute to development of society.
“For AVCNU, leadership is essential, understand what leadership and governance mean, not only for the university system, but the entire nation. In Africa, there is leadership gap that needs to be addressed. The gap will be closed by this conference.” A communique is expected.
