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VC seeks improved funding of higher education

By Ujunwa Atueyi
16 April 2015   |   3:13 am
Ahead of the inauguration of the incoming administration of Mr. Mohammadu Buhari, vice chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Rahamon Adisa Bello, is appealing that higher education be given its deserved priority through adequate funding.

Prof. Rahamon Adisa BelloInaugurates ULSU executives, others

Ahead of the inauguration of the incoming administration of Mr. Mohammadu Buhari, vice chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Rahamon Adisa Bello, is appealing that higher education be given its deserved priority through adequate funding.

Such development, he said would lead to great reforms in the education sector, which would also bring about the much-needed antidote to key societal and economic woes.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2014/2015 University of Lagos Students Union (ULSU) executive and parliamentarians, Bello remarked that proper funding of the higher education sector would bring about the economic prosperity required for the attainment of the vision 20 20:20 goals. He stressed that the change that Nigerians are clamouring for should be made evident through special funding of public education, which has suffered neglect and lack of various degrees.

“We look forward to what Nigerians have been clamouring for. They said there would be a change and that change has to be for the better. That is what we are expecting. We are pleading with the president-elect, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure that the higher education sector particularly gets appropriate attention. “One of the biggest problems plaguing the public education sector is the issue of funding.

We would like the incoming administration to pay special attention to funding of higher education. Without higher education prospering, there is no way the country can achieve its maximum economic development,” Bello stated.

He said, “If we look at those countries that we hope to overtake in our bid to become one of the 20th biggest economy in the world in the year 2020, they have economies that are research and innovation-based.

And it is only through proper funding of higher institutions and spreading of research outcomes that we can get to that stage. So we are pleading that higher education should be given priority in order for it not to be affected vagaries of the economy… I think that is the only way we can stabilise and maximise the gains of higher education.”

He added that it was of great importance for the government to improve funding to the tertiary education sector since research and innovation contribute directly to the prosperity level of the nation and the wellbeing of its citizens and the society in general.

While inaugurating the new students’ body, Bello said the step was taken with the full conviction that “…students’ unionism has restored itself to maturity after the unfortunate incidents of 2005 that led to the suspension of students’ union activities, I will only advice all students to guard this jealously.”

He added that the management has fulfilled its own side of the bargain by allowing the full restoration of students’ unionism through the exercise and other incentives. He urged the new student leaders not to deviate from their mandate. Dean, Students’ Affairs of the institution, Prof. Tunde Babawale, in his opening remarks stressed that students’ unionism among numerous other advantages allows for good leadership training and traits, adding that UNILAG students would not be denied such benefits.

He said, “Universities are models to all human institutions; ideas, theories and principles that govern human institutions are generated in the universities.

Universities are highly critical, analytic and knowledge-driven institutions. They provide requisite manpower for all sectors in our society. Consequently, much is expected from anyone who is part of a university community.” President of ULSU, Martins Abiodun, in his response said, “The circumstances that led to the proscription of our great union in 2004 still roams our memory like a lost sheep.

Our predecessors made great efforts for its revival; the struggle was passed from set to set until we inherited it. It is time to prove that the university’s management has not made a mistake by lifting the ban. Our hard earned victory must be protected.”

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