Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria convened in Lagos for the 7th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, COPSUN.
The conference with the theme: “Effective University Governance: Role of Stakeholders,” aimed to brainstorm solutions to the challenges facing tertiary education in the country.
The Opening Ceremony took place on Tuesday, 9th July 2024, at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, with key figures in the Nigerian education system sharing their insights.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, highlighted the potential of universities to become world-class institutions by upholding their founders’ visions, directing efforts and resources effectively, and implementing optimal policies.
He pointed to the success in Lagos State’s three state-owned universities, citing industrial harmony, a seamless academic calendar, and partnerships with private entities and corporate organizations as key achievements.
Keynote Speaker Prof. Nuhu Omeiza Yaqub stressed the need for stakeholders to collaborate in addressing tertiary education challenges, emphasizing that no nation can advance without a robust tertiary education system. He called on the Visitors of State Universities to increase their involvement in university governance to expedite resolving critical issues.
Former Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, who presided over the Opening Ceremony, acknowledged the unsatisfactory state of tertiary education in Nigeria.
He urged COPSUN members to actively engage with funding agencies for additional financial support and to be innovative in attracting funds to their universities. He also advised university councils to devise strategic action plans to enhance their competitiveness with federal universities.
In his goodwill message, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede attributed the sector’s challenges to illicit admissions, enrollment of underage students, and substandard pre-degree programs. He called on attendees to address these issues promptly.
Senator Joshua Lidani, Chairman of COPSUN, delivered the welcome address, while former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, and Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Education, Hon. Ajani Owolabi, conveyed goodwill messages.
The conference planning committee is chaired by Prof. Ayodeji Omole, Pro-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, with the Local Organising Committee led by Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University.