The Chairman of the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Siyan Oyeweso has called on corporate bodies, organizations and privileged individuals within the society not to leave funding of university to government alone.
Oyeweso said this at the 48th convocation ceremony of University Saturday in Ile-Ife.
The Professor of History commended President Bola Tinubu for the students loan intervention and the approval of 50% electricity subsidy for the universities across Nigeria, describing them as a timely response towards improving the education sector.
He said, “Permit me also to recognise a fundamental contribution of the University Visitor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to educational growth and development in Nigeria through profound reforms in educational support. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has disbursed a total loan of N29,45,337,053 of the student loan to 90,472 students. I must extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. President for approving a 50% electricity subsidy for universities.”
While calling on stakeholders to join in funding the University, Oyeweso said, “While we are looking forward to better times in our country, the Council believes that funding of education should not be left to the government alone, as the problems confronting Nigerian universities, especially those funded by the government, are monumental owing to lack of adequate funding. This situation accounts for poor and outdated infrastructure, lack of modern teaching equipment, and poorly remunerated staff among other challenges. All these, no doubt, have diminished the capacity of universities to realise their goals and missions as envisaged by the founding fathers. Such handicaps make it extremely difficult for our universities to be ranked among the top universities in the world. In the coming months and years, I promise that the Council, under my leadership, shall continue to work assiduously to overcome some of these challenges.”.
The Pro-Chancellor also highlighted some of the achievements the Council under his leadership has recorded in just five months of its inauguration.
“The Council has been able to interface with various stakeholders within the University, particularly the executive of all the organised labour unions, to ensure industrial peace in the University and encourage the closing of ranks among differing unions.
“The current Council is working in sync with the University Management which has a 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. This Council, on August 19, 2024 inaugurated the 2025-2050 Strategic Plan Committee, headed by a Council Member, Barrister Joseph Abaagu, and consisting of many key stakeholders within the University. The 25-year plan is to map out direction, adapt to changes, optimise resource allocation, attract more funding, ensure sustainability in building on legacies of success and shape a brighter future for the university, in order to mitigate current and future challenges. During the maiden Management-Council Workshop titled ‘Envisioning a Great Future: OAU Strategic Plan (2025-2050)’, key stakeholders, including university leaders, academics and policymakers, outlined a bold vision for reshaping the institution’s future. The Keynote Address titled “Beyond the Plan: Turning Strategy into Success and Bridging the Gap between Planning and Execution” was delivered by the doyen of higher education and quality assurance in Africa, Professor Emeritus Peter A. Okebukola, OFR. The newly inaugurated Strategic Plan aims to redefine OAU’s engagement with its communities, foster collaborative partnerships, and promote sustainable development. Its core mission emphasises enhancing research output, improving societal impact and creating mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders.
“In addition, the Council has been able to interface with various stakeholders within the University, particularly the executive of all the organised labour unions, to ensure industrial peace in the University and encourage the closing of ranks among differing unions.”
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu was among distinguished personalities that were awarded with Honourary Doctorate Degrees in recognition of their track records reflect dedication, honesty, commitment to humanity and national development, and core values that align with the values of this great institution.
Others are insurance guru, Dr Akinade Ogunbiyi, professor of energy management, Anthony Adegbulugbe; Olutokun Kark Toriola and Mr. Daere Afonya-a Akobo.
Oyeweso appreciated the First Lady for her “huge donation” towards restoration of the greeness of the University, stating the gesture will help restore the University as one of the most beautiful campuses in Africa.
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