PRO-CHANCELLORS of State Owned Universities in Nigeria Converge in Lagos to Brainstorm on Solutions to Challenges facing Tertiary Education in the Country

Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria have convened in Lagos for the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN) 7th Biennial Conference, centered around the theme “Effective University Governance: Role of Stakeholders”.

The Opening Ceremony of the Conference took place on Tuesday, 9th July 2024 at the Marriot Hotel in Ikeja, where various influential figures within the Nigerian education system shared their insights on the conference theme.

The event’s Chief Host, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, emphasised that despite the numerous challenges confronting the education sector in Nigeria, universities have the potential to evolve into world-class institutions by diligently upholding the visions of their founders, directing their efforts and resources effectively, and realigning their focus to implement optimal policies.

Highlighting the achievements in Lagos State, he underscored that the systematic and scientific management of affairs in the three State-Owned Universities has led to unparalleled industrial harmony, a seamless academic calendar, and collaborations with private entities, corporate organisations, and entities in enhancing infrastructural provisions in tertiary institutions, as well as attracting foreign students and donors.

The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Nuhu Omeiza Yaqub stressed the imperative for stakeholders in the sector to collaborate efficiently in addressing the challenges facing tertiary education, emphasising that no nation can advance without a robust tertiary education system. He urged the Visitors of State Universities to increase their involvement in university governance to expedite the resolution of pertinent issues.

Former Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, who presided over the Opening Ceremony, acknowledged the unsatisfactory state of tertiary education in Nigeria. He urged COPSUN members to be proactive in engaging with relevant funding agencies to secure additional financial support for their institutions. Additionally, he challenged them to exhibit ingenuity in attracting funds to their universities and advised university councils to devise strategic action plans to enhance competitiveness with federal universities.

In his goodwill message, the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede attributed the sector’s challenges to illicit admissions, enrollment of underage students, and the proliferation of substandard pre-degree programs. He called upon attendees to promptly address these issues.

Senator Joshua Lidani, Chairman of COPSUN, delivered the welcome address, while former Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie, and Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Education, Hon. Ajani Owolabi conveyed goodwill messages.

The planning committee is chaired by Pro-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, with the Local Organising Committee led by Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM.

The programme continues on Wednesday, 10th July and will be concluded on Thursday, 11th July 2024.