A former Governor of Osun State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adebisi Akande has called on Nigerian institutions to move away from traditional to modern and holistic approach in education.
He said graduates should be equipped with skills to contribute to the economy otherwise the nation will be hindered from being competitive globally.
The Need for Educational Reform
Speaking at his Ila-Orangun residence, Osun State, Akande said universities should not be churning out graduates without value adding capabilities.
According to a statement by the Head of Directorate of Information, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, Bode Olofinmuagun, the APC chieftain made this call during a visit by EKSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatola Ayodele and other principal officers.
“If you want to be global, you can’t wait,” Akande said. “Universities should not produce graduates that cannot add value to the economy.
“Awarding degrees without equipping students with skills needed for national growth and economic development should be discouraged in Nigerian curriculum. Going to school is not work; it is the beginning of learning how to work.”
“EKSU is doing well,” Akande added.
He is an EKSU alumnus and commended the institution for being the best state university in Nigeria according to Times Higher Education. He attributed this to the knowing leadership within the university management.
“I am happy with what is happening in EKSU,” Akande said.
EKSU’s Skill Acquisition
EKSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatola Ayodele said the visit was to get guidance and wisdom from the elder statesman.
Ayodele thanked Akande for the hospitality and commended the institution for providing all round education.
“No student graduates from EKSU without acquiring skills in one vocation or the other,” the VC said.
“So our graduates are prepared for profitable engagement after graduation, not white collar jobs.”
Akande’s advocacy for modernisation in Nigerian education is timely as academic programmes must be in tune with the global economy. His commendation for EKSU is a pointer to leadership that can drive change.
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