“Ondo AG Proposes Measures to Sustain Academic Institutions”

Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, highlighted key factors necessary for sustaining academic institutions in Nigeria. Speaking at a public lecture honoring Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Ajulo emphasized the importance of infrastructural development, effective leadership, quality teaching, research, rebranding, and combating academic corruption.

In his lecture titled “Sustainability of Academic Institutions in Nigeria,” Ajulo commended Na’Allah’s contributions to academic excellence both locally and globally. He pointed out that a major issue facing Nigerian academic institutions is the appointment of administrators based on factors other than merit, leading to poor leadership quality.

Ajulo noted that the lack of sound strategic planning is prevalent in many Nigerian institutions, which often lack comprehensive plans at various organizational levels. He stressed that without a clear mission, vision, or goals, universities struggle to coordinate their activities effectively. This lack of strategic planning extends to critical areas such as curriculum development, infrastructure, and financial management.

The Attorney General also criticized the inadequate funding of research activities by successive governments, contrasting it with the more substantial support provided in other countries. He identified additional challenges, including insufficient infrastructure, inadequate funding, poor international recognition of Nigerian institutions, academic corruption, and the increasing workload on university staff, which negatively affects teaching quality.

To address these issues, Ajulo suggested that Nigerian institutions undergo rebranding, similar to how foreign institutions promote themselves in Nigeria. He recommended that Nigerian institutions establish agencies abroad to attract international students, thus enhancing their global image.

Ajulo called for greater commitment from all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s academic institutions. He emphasized the need for graduates to possess the skills necessary to improve their lives and contribute positively to society. He also advocated for research to focus on solving societal problems and for governments to provide adequate funding for educational institutions. Ajulo concluded by urging efforts to eliminate corruption within the university system and to encourage collaboration between local and foreign researchers, ensuring that Nigerian institutions achieve global recognition and status.