Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has called on pro-chancellors to develop new ideas, policies and directions in the nation’s universities to make them compete favourably with their global counterparts.
Sanwo- Olu stated this at the opening of the seventh biennial conference of Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, on Tuesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was: “Effective University Governance: Role of Stakeholders.”
The governor expressed the hope that the outcome of the conference would greatly influence policy formulation and implementation, thus resulting in more effective management of state-owned tertiary institution across the country.
“You will agree with me that the fastest and most important path to our national growth and development is through high quality education to meet the needs of our respective states.
“Today, our nation faces a multitude of complex challenges that impact our businesses, economies, education and climate in unprecedented ways.
“These issues threaten our collective existence, but they are surmountable if our universities strictly adhere to the vision and ideals of their founding fathers.
“By focusing energy and resources, and reorienting yourselves to implement the best policies, our universities can transform into world-class institutions,” he said.
Sanwo- Olu said that his administration, in order to improve teaching, learning and meet the required manpower needs in the 21st century, had upgraded two state-owned higher institutions to universities.
“The systematic and scientific management of affairs in our state universities has resulted in unprecedented industrial harmony, seamless academic calendar and partnerships with individuals,” Sanwo- Olu said.
NAN reports that the governor was represented at the occasion by the Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule.
In his remarks, a former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, said that governing councils had major roles to play in advancing the country’s universities.
Okojie stressed the need for university governing councils to establish clear vision, achievable goals and decisions which should be reached through consensus building. (NAN
