‘Universities must produce products that can solve societal problems’

The Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Dele Adesina (SAN) has enjoined the nation’s universities to change focus from the old ways of doing things and channel their energies and resources to productive ventures that will impart positively on the people.

Adesina who stated this while receiving the institution’s management in his office said EKSU must be innovation and ideals driven.

It was the first time of meeting the management of the institution since his appointment as Pro-Chancellor two weeks ago. The university team, led by the vice chancellor, Prof S.O Bandele includes the Deputy vice chancellor, Prof I.O Oluwaleye, Registrar, Mr Akin Arogundade, Bursar, Mr Amos Taiwo, Librarian, Mr Nathaniel Ajayi, and Acting Director of Information, Olubunmi Ajibade.

Adesina said, “EKSU must be recognized by the ideals that Ekiti State is known for. We are known for quality education. Parents all over Nigeria used to bring their children to Ekiti to study, even at secondary school level.  The university therefore must focus on productive ventures, there must be accountability and probity, students must not only live together, they must also live well. By its very nature, universities are designed to solve the problems of their societies. EKSU therefore must be at the forefront of institutions that can solve the nation’s multifaceted problems through creative thinking and products that could solve societal problems.

The Pro Chancellor reminded the university team that the society is full of high expectations from them. “We must not fail our people. Let us plan to succeed together. We must learn to work together to achieve our set goals without minding who gets the accolade. I want you to know that I am fully committed to these ideals”, he said.

The vice chancellor gave an executive summary of the prospects and challenges facing the university.

According to him, the institution currently has 20,000 students, eight faculties and 51 departments with 11 additional programmes just approved by the National University Commission (NUC).