The Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada in Edo, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, says future universities in Africa must embrace learner-centred approaches and integrate technology effectively in a bid to remain relevant in a fast-changing world.
Ezemonye gave the advice while delivering a keynote lecture at the 10th Prof. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe memorial anniversary lecture on Thursday in Lagos.
The memorial anniversary of the Lagos branch of the University of Lagos Alumni Association had the theme: “University of the Future; Are We Ready?
According to him, providing faculty development and support as well as employing appropriate assessment strategies and addressing the challenges of the changing landscape was also critical
The vice-chancellor also noted that through continuous innovation, collaboration and a commitment to ethical and inclusive practices, future universities could effectively prepare graduates to thrive in the dynamic future ahead.
“The journey toward future universities and future-ready graduates is multi-faceted and requires a holistic approach.
“This is by incorporating the findings and recommendations outlined in this paper. Institutions can take significant steps toward equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills and adaptability needed for success in the ever-evolving world.
“Future universities are institutions that prepare students for the challenges of the future by providing innovative and interdisciplinary education.
“They are characterised by their focus on creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“Future universities integrate emerging fields and emerging technology into curriculum design to ensure that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Owoeye Adedeji, Chairman, of the Lagos branch of the alumni association, said that universities in Nigeria and Africa as a continent could not afford to lag behind, following the rate at which technology evolved.
He noted that the world was a global village adding that this explained the need to constantly bring in guest lecturers who were in tune with current trends.
Adedeji stated there was a need to enlighten, highlight and educate the younger generation on what was obtainable in the present times.
“And that is what informed the theme of today’s lecture. What it simply means is that today’s world is technically driven and the only way to get it right was getting involved,” he said.
The chairman lauded the late vice-chancellor, on whose behalf the event was organised, noting that his legacies at the university remained evergreen.
According to him, he came, saw and conquered while at the helm of affairs of the institution.
`We are basically celebrating a man who left a huge legacy here in this university. We are here to give honour to whom it is due and that is in the person of the late Prof. Sofoluwe.
“The foundation he has laid down here, coupled with his humility is immeasurable and worth emulating and that is why we will continually honour him because he died on duty,” he stated.
The Chairperson, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the event, Prof. Aderonke Samuel, said Sofoluwe deserved all he was getting through the event.
According to her, the late 10th vice-chancellor went far beyond the call of duty, adding that he demonstrated passion in all he did, for the university.
Samuel, of the Department of Biochemistry of the institution, noted that the passion he showed for infrastructure, people and all-round development of the university was a clear testimony of his love for growth and excellence.
“It is because of his impact on us as alumni and as students, even way back, then speaks for itself and that is the reason for this our annual anniversary.
“It was through him, 10 years ago that realised what a university should be, for the future and to be future-ready and relevant.
“So, we are celebrating him here today because we believe in what he stood for, which is all-round excellence,” she said
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Prof. Sofoluwe died while on active service on May 12, 2012.
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