Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, on Friday, urged governments at all levels to declare a state of emergency in the higher education sector to rescue the menace of brain drain which has caused setbacks to the country in the recent past.
He observed that the education sector in the country, particularly, higher education, has suffered avoidable setbacks in the recent past leading to brain drain even as they suffer the pain of underfunding. “Our institutions need more hands to deliver on their mandates and funds for serious academic works, research and collaborations for desired outputs", he declared at the 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremonies of the institution held at the main campus in Ilorin.
Over 25,000 graduates were produced by the institution for the combined 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions with 450 in First Class Division.
Professor Egbewole, in his speech titled "The End is Better", said the event marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance by the students, adding " or is not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter your lives.
"The world is facing significant challenges, from climate change to social inequality and it is up to you to be the agents of change," he charged the graduating students.
The Vice-Chancellor, challenged them "to think critically, think without a box, be open-minded and collaborate with others to find solutions to these complex issues."
He disclosed that Unilorin received TETFund award of N500m for hostel accommodation for students and N200m for Zonal interventions which are being used to execute different projects.
"The University produced four patents in the 2022/2022 academic session and currently has a total of 36 patents with the Federal government through the National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion, NATOP, Abuja.
In his convocation lecture, Professor Toyin Falola, Nigerian historian and professor of African Studies, at the University of Texas Austin, United States of America, highlighted the importance of values in the face of rapid modernization, emphasising the need to preserve our core ethical and moral principles while adapting to the changing world.
He noted that Nigeria's socio-economic terrain is currently experiencing a significant widening of disparities in the allocation of wealth, a phenomenon often exacerbated by the swift pace of modernization.
Speaking on "Modernity, Modernization and Values" he said "As urban centres become hubs of economic advancement, a noticeable discrepancy arises whereby rural regions face challenges such as poverty, inadequate provision of essential services and limited opportunities for quality education and healthcare.
"This dichotomy elucidates the multifaceted nature of a nation in transition, delicately balancing the dynamic prospects of modernity alongside the sobering complexities of social disparities.
"Nigeria, like other nations in the process of development, finds itself entangled in a complex predicament where the pursuit of economic expansion and infrastructure advancement occasionally involves compromising environmental sustainability," he stated.
Comments powered by CComment