Full Autonomy is the Solution to Nigerian University Education System – Prof. Oyedele

By Adeola Oyedele

With inadequate finance, outdated academic structure, how do we expect universities to be effective in Nigeria? These were some of the pertinent questions raised by Prof. Lukumon Oyedele, Assistant Vice–Chancellor, University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol, United Kingdom.

Prof. Oloyede was the guest speaker at the 2nd Annual Prince Tunde Ponnle Lecture held in Osun State University, Osogbo.

Speaking to the lecture theme “Internationalization and Higher Education in Nigeria: A change in Attitude and strategy”, the UK-based Professor highlighted seven problems facing Nigerian Universities including: Governance and Leadership, Structural Problems, Teaching, Research, Enterprise, Human and Resource Dimension and Internationalization.

The UWE Bristol Assistant VC further pointed that ineffective governance model and  poor professional ethics and morality, are the basic factors diminishing Nigerian University Education pointing at the inability of Nigerians to compete with their mates globally under such outdated curriculum and poor quality journal output operated in the country.

The University Don claimed that Nigeria is the 9th largest country sending International Students to the United Kingdom and 33% of the overall African Students in the United State are Nigerians, and are doing well in various fields.

He recommended full autonomy as the main solution to Nigerian Universities to help each University monitor and manage its generated resources.

With this, Prof Oyedele believed that there will be proper accountability which is needed to help universities perform effectively. “Performance–based process and culture can make the Universities stronger”, remarked.

He urged Federal Government of Nigeria to keep the cost of Higher Education within reasonable limit to ensure change and continuous improvement.