NUC Charges UNILAG VC On Internalisation For Global Visibility

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has encouraged the 13th Vice Chancellor of the Univerity of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola to deploy techniques of internalisation to promote the institution's global visibility and ranking.

The guidance was given by the National Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor Rasheed Abubakar at the investiture of the first female VC of the university on Tuesday in Lagos.

Abubakar, represented by Dr Chris Maiyaki, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the commission, said the university needs to embrace this development and clearly understand persisting global trends.

The NUC boss noted that Ogunsola has been a part of the feats attained through the institution's internalisation portfolio.

UNILAG Pro-Chancellor Presenting the University's Mace to the 13th VC

“This is especially as it relates to the future of work, wherein the institution must, out of necessity, skew its academic programmes to equip students with all the requisite hard, soft and digital skill sets that would enable them to function effectively as global citizens in the 21st century.

“It is necessary for you to innovatively establish sustainable partnerships with government agencies, industry, and society.

“This is as you undertake the quadruple helix model operational in the prevailing global knowledge economy where advancements are based principally on intensive research work and postgraduate development activities.

“Hence, as a university, you must focus on how students can learn and acquire relevant skills that will enable them to succeed in today’s highly dynamic and competitive world,” Abubakar said.

He further said if the new VC would create a pathway for sustainable growth, "

You need to master and creatively deploy all strategies of internationalisation of higher education in ways that will enhance your institutional global visibility and ranking.

“There is a need to also facilitate vibrant international collaborations and in the process, attract more international students and staff to your institution of higher learning,” he said. 

Abubakar also addressed the questionable assessment and promotion of academic staff.

“The intellectual space has shrunken to the extent that there is a subversion of the age-long and most cherished tradition and prestige of the academia. 

“It is, therefore, no longer news that some among the professorate have questionable credentials. You must, out of necessity, ensure that the reward system is based on hard work and academic credibility/ influence.

“It should not be solely on belonging to trite formations designed to gain prebendal footholds.

“The need has arisen for each institution and more so, the university of Lagos, under your watch,  to reassess itself and re-examine the extent to which its conduct and character align with its vision, mission and core mandates,” he expressed.

On the issue of funding, Abubakar said, "

Truth must be told that although there is a recognition that funding is a problem, the dynamics axes of academic freedom, creativity and innovation have shrunken.

“This is so much in the universities to the extent that they have diminished, compromised their capacities, to meet their obligations to the nation,  communities and students alike.

“Certainly, the university of Lagos is aware of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) which was recently launched by the National Universities Commission.

“By the CCMAS, each university is expected to provide 30 per cent of the contents of the curriculum of each of the academic programmes being administered. 

“While ensuring that all your academic programmes are consistent with the 70 per cent contents specified in the CCMAS, you are hereby challenged to creatively provide the 30 per cent contents.

“This should be done in ways that will ensure that each programme has significant social impact and relevance within the context of the prevailing local, national, and global realities,” he said.

Abubakar congratulated Ogunsola and lauded her for her credentials which have lifted her to the position of VC.

“Therefore, your choice to pilot the affairs of this great institution, at this defining moment, is a mark of the confidence which you have been able to build for yourself over the years.

“Your antecedents have placed you on a solid pedestal to steer the ship and consolidate on the gains recorded at the university.

“The NUC congratulates and celebrates with you on this well-deserved appointment. 

“It also gives us immense pleasure that our deliberate efforts as a commission at encouraging greater female participation and women empowerment in university affairs are making significant impacts.

“It is important to emphasise that the NUC will also continue to support female academics to reach the highest in academic, administrative and technical cadre in the university system. 

“It is also going to encourage and promote the enrollment of more female students in university education across all disciplines,” he added.

In her welcome remark, Ogunsola said she was contemplating the establishment of a campus for research and development in the free trade zone in Epe, Lagos.

She added that she would obtain a piece of land to commence agriculture, noting that food security is expedient for the future. 

“Our cosmopolitan location gives us a unique advantage in developing and strengthening urban agriculture and aquaculture, 

“The University of Lagos cannot afford to be left out. These are my two audacious goals,” Ogunsola expressed.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Obi of Onitsha were present at the occasion where the university's mace was presented to Ogunsola by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr Olarewaju Tejuoso.