October 13, 2024
By Taiwo Ogunniyi, Kwara
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called for a holistic review of Nigeria’s education policies to address contemporary challenges in the sector.

The monarch made this call during the maiden combined convocation ceremonies of Ojaja University, Eiyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, over the weekend.
While acknowledging the progress made in education over the years, the Ooni emphasized that more effort is required to rescue the Nigerian tertiary education system from its ongoing decline.

“While it is true that a lot has been done and is still being done to rescue the Nigerian tertiary education from a steady decline, the truth remains that a lot more still needs to be done within the framework of relevant and appropriate policy interventions, and most importantly, sound and flawless policy executions,” he stated.
Oba Ogunwusi highlighted the importance of policy relevance, timing, and proper tracking for the 21st century, adding that for Nigeria to attain global educational standards, there must be a comprehensive review of the country’s education policies and their implementation strategies.

The monarch, who has been Chancellor of the University since 2016 when it was Crown Hill University before being renamed Ojaja University, further noted the challenges involved in running a world-class tertiary institution, calling for support from well-meaning Nigerians and global partners.
“My experience has revealed that running a world-class tertiary institution requires a lot of funding and capital investment. I want to call on all well-meaning Nigerians, corporate entities, philanthropists, and friends of the House of Oduduwa globally to lend a helping hand through grants, scholarships, and infrastructural support for Ojaja University.”
In his convocation lecture, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Chinyere Ekomaru, emphasized the need to focus on skills development as the future of Nigeria’s economy, rather than oil.
“As the nation strives for economic resilience in this era of globalization, the role of education, particularly higher education, becomes crucial. Private universities in Nigeria have emerged as vital contributors to the production of a skilled workforce that can adapt to the evolving demands of the economy,” Uzodinma stated.

The event, graced by notable figures such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, saw 183 graduates from various faculties, with Emmanuel Johnson of the Microbiology Department emerging as the best overall graduating student.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRazaq AbdulRazaq, was represented by the Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Arinde.
The Vice-Chancellor of Ojaja University, Professor Jeleel Ojuade, lauded the commitment of Oba Ogunwusi to the institution’s vision, revealing that the university currently runs 13 accredited courses, with plans to expand further.

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