Alao, Fagbohun, Babalakin Call for Integrity, Accountability in Varsity Governance
Funmi Ogundare Professor of African Studies at King’s College London, Abiodun Alao, weekend, called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s university system to prioritise knowledge production over personal interests and wealth accumulation,
Abiodun Alao, a Professor of African Studies at King's College London, urged university stakeholders in Nigeria to prioritize knowledge creation over personal gain during a book launch at the University of Ibadan. He criticized those who misuse their positions for personal enrichment, emphasizing that wealth should not be the primary focus in higher education.
Alao, who had firsthand experience with university governance, recounted how a determined governing council under Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN) tackled illegal activities at Osun State University. He stressed the importance of effective structures to manage conflicts, arguing that institutions must be prepared to address disagreements without hindering their core mission.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, highlighted the need for resilience, vision, empathy, and courage in university leadership. He discussed the unique challenges faced by public university administrators, such as inadequate funding, strained relationships with staff unions, and political pressure.
Fagbohun pointed out that university leaders are often expected to achieve outstanding results despite limited resources. He recounted a situation where staff unions initially supported his efforts to stabilize the university's finances but later demanded extended breaks, raising concerns about funding stability.
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