The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, and the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Attahiru Jega, on Wednesday, emphasised good quality in education sector, and called for an educational reform that would involve learning and character in the country
Speaking at the 3rd convocation of the Afe Babalola University, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where 736 students graduated, with 65 in first class honours, the duo warned that quality must not be compromised in the university system in the country.
Specifically, Okojie said the NUC believed in strong quality assurance in the university system, noting that private university in Nigeria had positively impacted in the challenge of access to quality education.
Jega who praised the founder of Afe Babalola for the giant stride, urged the Federal and State governments to emulate the university’s innovation of education with learning and character, to help the future of the country, saying that “Nigeria’s vision in education is gradually being achieved through Afe Babalola University. There is a need to set a standard for the growth of education in this country.
“One cannot de-emphasise character of a graduate. Learning and character must go together and when these virtues are exhibited out there, it will surely contribute to the development of our country”.
Governor Ayo Fayose, said there was no alternative to holistic education that would not only impact knowledge, but would imbue graduates with character that could make them make desirable changes in the system.
He said: “Education is more about life than wealth. Aside government, Afe Babalola University is the largest employer of labour in Ekiti and that was why my government wants to build an airstrip in Ado-Ekiti, which would become a full-fledged airport later to help in the expansion of this university.
“I am committed to this project and there is no going back on that. There are 12 private universities in Ogun, 6 in Osun, 6 in Lagos, 4 in Ondo and one in Ekiti, which is Afe Babalola University. So, there is nothing we do to make this university survive that should be seen as too demanding.”
The governor promised to continue to create enabling environment for academic activities to thrive, and appealed to well-meaning indigenes to emulate the patriotism displayed by the proprietor of th university that has been of tremendous benefits to the state.
Jega bagged honorary Doctor of Public Administration, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was conferred with an honorary Doctor Letters, former Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related crimes Commission (ICPC) Chairman, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, was conferred with the Doctor of Public Administration and Bishop Matthew Kukah bagged Doctor of Letters.
In his remark, the Founder and President of the university, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), pointed out that the future of Nigeria depend on the quality of education of the Nigerian students.
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