UNILAG VC: Changing Dynamics in Nigerian Education Require Strategic Approaches 

Oluchi Chibuzor 

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, has said that the changing dynamics happening in the Nigerian education sector require adoption of a strategic approach.

Ogunsola stated this yesterday in Lagos at the public presentation of a book titled ‘A Practical Approach to Contemporary Tertiary Education Management in Nigeria’, edited by Tolu Odugbemi and Taiwo Ipaye.

The book has 24 authors and is encapsulated in 19 chapters.

Folashade, who was the chief host, said that there are a lot of changes going on in the sector, some good and some not too good. 

“In addition to that, there is a rapidity in which education and knowledge is flowing that we have to use strategies to ensure we harness them. We need the engine oil of education which is the administrative aspect to ensure that we properly capture and master the new changes that are coming,” she said. 

For the book reviewer, former President, Nigeria Academy of Letters, Prof. Duro Oni, the book is a practical approach to development, management of tertiary education in Nigeria and it discusses several issues like recruitment, academic standards, quality assurance and ethics.

He said to remove funding gaps, people must aim at raising funds from outside the tertiary systems and must have an income generating programme within the university system. 

“So I think it is the best thing that the federal government has done in terms of removing tertiary institutions from IPPIS.

“Whether we like it or not there are problems with tertiary education; even if you want to start a university you must understand what the dynamics are. Tertiary institutions should leverage the alumni system.”

For Odugbemi, management and heads of academic institutions should ensure that policies, rules and regulations are adhered to in running learning institutions. 

He said merit should be at the forefront at all times, adding that institutions should avoid playing to the gallery, ethnicity and all forms of discriminatory tendencies. 

“We need to focus on good education and gainful employment for our youths for a better today and tomorrow. This is not only for our youths but for a peaceful, orderly and secure society for the benefit of us all,” said.