Varsity Autonomy Dominates Discussion at COPSUN

Varsity Autonomy Dominates Discussion at COPSUN

Discussions on achieving and preserving university autonomy, as well as enhancing funding sources for state universities in Nigeria, took center stage on the Day 4 of the ongoing 7th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, held on Wednesday, 10th July 2024.

The day’s agenda, comprising two panel sessions, a Plenary Session, and a presentation session, facilitated robust exchanges of ideas under the overarching theme of the conference, “Effective University Governance: Role of Stakeholders,” aimed at advancing tertiary education in the country.

During the first panel session focused on University Autonomy, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities; Chief (Mrs) Mojisola O. Ladipo, mni, former Registrar of the University of Ibadan; and Dr Adolphos Wabara, former Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of Council at Abia State University, all advocated strongly against governmental interference in university affairs. Chaired by Emeritus Professor Femi Bamiro, Chairman of the Council of Elizade University, the session analysed factors contributing to government interference, its implications, and emphasised the need for university leadership to foster internal cohesion to resist external control, ensuring accountability and responsible governance.

The second panel session, “Emerging Issues in Funding of Nigerian Universities,” chaired by Sir David Sunmoni, FCA, KJW, Pro-Chancellor of Lagos State University, featured key stakeholders including Prof. Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar; Dr Abiodun Muritala, Accountant General of Lagos State; and Chief (Mrs) Agnes Funmi Sesi-Akinsanmi, Chairperson of Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos Chapter. The panel addressed various challenges related to inadequate funding of universities, proposing solutions to overcome these challenges. Panelists unanimously stressed that government funding alone is insufficient and urged for increased budgetary allocations and subventions, alongside encouraging universities to explore innovative methods to boost their internally generated revenues.

The panel sessions were interspersed with a Plenary Session on “Conflict Resolution in Universities,” led by Distinguished Prof. Dapo Asaju, Professor of Religious and Peace Studies and former Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State. Prof. Asaju identified common causes of conflicts within Nigerian universities, such as inadequate funding, harsh working conditions, poor infrastructure, autonomy disputes, and communication gaps. He recommended adherence to due process in disciplinary and financial matters, advocated for enhanced government funding, and urged administrators to adopt creative funding strategies, highlighting welfare as a pivotal issue in resolving conflicts.

A notable highlight of the conference was the lecture delivered by Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, OFR, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), on Artificial Intelligence. Prof. Okebukola challenged Pro-Chancellors to collaborate with their institutions in developing strategic plans for integrating Artificial Intelligence into university operations.

The conference, held at Providence Hotel, Ikeja, recorded a significant turnout of Committee members and distinguished guests, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing the Nigerian higher education sector.