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By Yemisi Hambali
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Nigerian universities to rethink their approach to education and embrace emerging technologies to make their institutions more productive, innovative and impactful.
The President gave the charge in Ilorin during the 37th Conference of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, CVCNU, hosted by the University of Ilorin.
Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmed, President Tinubu described Kwara State as a place known for peace, harmony and educational development. He urged university leaders to return from the conference with practical ideas to strengthen their institutions and advance the nation’s education sector.
Also, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Deputy Governor Mr. Kayode Alabi, described the conference theme, “Building Resilient Universities for Nigeria,” as timely and relevant.
He stressed the need for universities to continuously adapt and innovate while creating enabling environments for staff and students to thrive.
Governor AbdulRazaq urged universities to embrace Artificial Intelligence responsibly, while ensuring that critical thinking, creativity and human expertise remain central to learning and research. He called for stronger partnerships between universities and their host communities, particularly in research, innovation and addressing societal challenges.
The Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Professor Laurence Ikechukwu, said the conference provided an important platform for university leaders to share experiences and develop strategies to strengthen higher education in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulwahab Olusupo Egbewole, SAN, appreciated Governor AbdulRazaq for his continued support for education and the university, particularly the construction of roads leading to the institution.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Lawal Olorungbebe, described the hosting of the conference as a great honour for Kwara State. He said the gathering would enable university leaders to exchange ideas and develop practical strategies for building a stronger and more responsive education system.
