Professor Omotoye Olorode, a retired lecturer and former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has issued a fervent plea to both federal and state governments, the primary proprietors of Nigerian universities, to prioritize equipping universities with the necessary resources for impactful research. His call to action stems from the belief that robust research, facilitated by modern equipment and adequate funding, is crucial for national development. Olorode argues that Nigerian universities currently lack the essential tools for meaningful research, hindering their ability to contribute solutions to the country’s myriad challenges. This appeal was made during the launch of a Festschrift in honor of Professor Adepoju Akinyanju, a retired professor of microbiology, further highlighting the urgent need for change within the Nigerian university system.
Olorode’s argument centers on the stark contrast between the well-equipped universities he experienced during his earlier academic career and the current state of underfunding. He recounted his time at the University of Ife in 1970, where government-provided microscopes and other equipment were readily available, facilitating impactful research. This stands in stark contrast to the present-day reality, where lecturers struggle with inadequate resources, despite the government’s focus on establishing new universities rather than bolstering existing ones. This misplaced priority, Olorode contends, undermines the potential of the university system to contribute meaningfully to national development. He stresses that researchers possess the knowledge and expertise to address many of the nation’s challenges, but they are hamstrung by the lack of necessary resources and support.
The former ASUU president further advocates for increased funding for education. He proposes a substantial increase in the budgetary allocation to education and agriculture, suggesting a jump from the current six percent to approximately 35 percent. This increased investment, he argues, is essential to equip universities with modern tools and equipment, enabling them to function effectively and contribute to national progress. He lauds the quality of Nigerian university graduates, highlighting their success abroad as evidence of their potential. However, he emphasizes that this potential can only be fully realized with adequate governmental support. This includes not only funding but also fostering an environment that encourages independent thought, innovation, and daring academic inquiry.
Olorode also directs criticism towards the current state of inaugural lectures in Nigerian universities. He argues that these lectures, intended to summarize a professor’s research work and disseminate knowledge to a wider audience, have become a mere formality, failing to fulfill their intended purpose. He proposes that these lectures be delivered in local languages, making them accessible and relevant to the general public, especially since much of the research often focuses on local environmental studies. Olorode recounts his personal experience of refusing to deliver an inaugural lecture in the traditional format, desiring instead to present it in a local language at a more accessible venue such as the Ooni of Ife’s palace or a marketplace, where it could have a greater impact. This request, however, was denied by the then-vice-chancellor, underscoring the systemic resistance to change and the detachment of inaugural lectures from their intended purpose of public engagement.
Professor Akinyanju, the honoree of the Festschrift, echoes Olorode’s concerns, urging Nigerian universities to become more proactive agents of national development. He calls for universities to be more independent, challenging, democratic, daring, attentive, efficient, and diverse in their approaches. He criticizes the lack of autonomy and the tendency to prioritize bureaucratic compliance over academic innovation. Akinyanju’s own experience underscores this point. He recalls an instance where, despite extensive work on a revised curriculum that met the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) minimum standards, the university rejected its implementation due to fear of repercussions from the NUC. This fear of regulatory bodies, he argues, stifles innovation and prevents universities from adapting their programs to best serve the needs of their students and the nation.
Akinyanju’s long tenure at the University of Ilorin, spanning over 40 years, has provided him with firsthand insights into the challenges facing Nigerian universities. His advocacy for a more proactive and daring approach to education reflects a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of universities. His critique of the system’s tendency towards compliance and risk aversion highlights a critical need for greater autonomy and a willingness to embrace innovation. Both Olorode and Akinyanju’s perspectives underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how Nigerian universities are funded, managed, and encouraged to engage with the critical issues facing the nation. They argue that by investing in research, promoting intellectual freedom, and fostering a culture of innovation, universities can become powerful engines of progress, driving national development and contributing solutions to the complex challenges facing Nigeria.
