University Expert Highlights Key Role of Stakeholders in Tertiary Institution Development

A university academic and former Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof. Ganiyu Olatunde, has emphasized the importance of university stakeholders in the development of higher education institutions.

Speaking at the third Registry Annual Lecture of Osun State University, held on Wednesday at the university’s main campus in Oke-Baale, Osogbo, Prof. Olatunde delivered a lecture titled “Current Trends in Synergizing the Roles of Different Stakeholders in Enhancing University Development.” He outlined that stakeholders in the university system include students, faculty staff, university administration, alumni, parents, governing boards, government organizations, industry partners, community members, donors, philanthropists, accrediting agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Prof. Olatunde highlighted the critical roles these stakeholders play in university development, such as providing feedback, participating in governance, serving as ambassadors and representatives, advocating for change, partnering in research, and contributing economically.

He advised universities to adhere to accreditation regulations set by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) rather than those imposed by professional bodies. He recounted his own experience as a Vice Chancellor, where he would reject demands from professional bodies to alter curricula based on their preferences, instead deferring to the NUC for resolution.

The chairman of the occasion, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, represented by Adewumi Adeyemi, stressed that universities cannot operate in isolation and called for greater collaboration between government and academia to enhance the university system. He praised the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adeboye, for his transformative leadership.

Prof. Adeboye highlighted the significant changes achieved during his tenure and urged the registry staff to support university management with discretion and confidentiality.