Universities Should Stop Producing Non Self-reliant Graduates – Gov Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said that institutions of higher learning in the country will only be relevant when they start producing problem-solvers and not just certificate holders.

Governor Akeredolu said the hollow repetition of outdated and inapplicable theories which are taught in the institutions of learning will only produce highly certificated citizens that lack capacity to solve basic problems.

The Governor declared that  true centres of learning must not be quiet at this crucial moment in the country, adding that; “We live in a period when the interventions of true intellectuals are needed to illuminate darkened paths.”

The Governor spoke at the 12th and 13th combined Convocation ceremony of the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State on Saturday.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde stated that at the occassion, Governor Akeredolu was conferred with an award of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) of the University.

He noted that all activities in the institutions of learning must be geared towards self-reliance, saying science must be promoted above superstitious beliefs.

“Any institution of higher learning or research centre whose focus is not on these practical means of coming out of doldrums betrays its mandate.”

Governor Akeredolu tasked the academia not to be tired of educating the people on the best way possible out of the current predicament as a country.

“They must enlighten us about the concept of federalism. We must know the limits and responsibilities of states as component units in a federation.

“We should be certain of the meaning of a constitution as the basic law of a democratic country.

“There must not be doubts as regards political ideas such as sovereignty, legitimacy, rights and duties of citizens.

“They must educate the people to understand why all authorities must be subordinate to the people and civil service must be made to actualize this objective.

“Our centres of research and learning must be ready to come up with innovations on how best to plant our food and feed our people.

“We must depend on our children to fix our roads, hospitals and secure the land.”

The Governor added that the education of a citizen is the most important assignment of the society which he said is represented by the government at all levels.

Mr Akeredolu pointed out that the challenges faced by any society must form the basis for the design of a curriculum of instruction, adding that its content must reflect the aggregate of the collective aspirations towards development.

“The current process of certification, promoted vigorously by a system which appears content churning out graduates without requisite capacity for the qualifications with which they are saddled, must be reviewed.

“Our Universities must not be seen as centres of preparing young people for an ultimate carnival-like procession culminating in the award of degrees and diplomas which are a veritable embarrassment to the holders.

“Certificates are mere evidence of participation in a process. They do not necessarily bear testimonies to capacity.

“The disturbing reality which finds expression in the presence of multitude of unemployed graduates in an underdeveloped country should be a source of deep anxiety.

“While inadequate funding may be adduced as a factor militating against qualitative education, it is disingenuous and escapist to look away from the fundamental cause of progressive rot in the system.

“There has been a disconnect between the social realities and the pretentious emptiness served as diets of instruction.”