In a powerful and introspective address, a leading Nigerian academic has issued a stark challenge to the continent's higher education system, urging universities to look inward and reform themselves before attempting to solve society's broader problems.
A Call for Introspection from a Veteran Insider
Distinguished Professor Ayodeji Olukoju, drawing from his 49-year career within the Nigerian university system, delivered a hard-hitting opening remark entitled "Physician, Heal Thyself!" The presentation was made at the 6th Faculty of Social Sciences Conference held recently, which was themed "The University and the Development Question in Africa."
Professor Olukoju, who serves as a Professor of History at the University of Lagos and as the Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of Governing Council at Chrisland University in Abeokuta, argued that for universities to fulfill their societal role, they must first address their own deep-seated issues. He used the biblical analogy of removing the log from one's own eye before attempting to remove the mote from another's.
Pointed Questions on Governance and Integrity
The professor posed a series of critical questions directed at university management, administrative heads, staff unions, and individual academics. He challenged the transparency and meritocracy in the appointment of Principal Officers and asked for benchmarks to assess the performance of academics who assume power.
He further scrutinized the operations of professional societies and staff unions, demanding accountability for their funds and fidelity to their mandates. Olukoju highlighted internal contradictions, questioning how universities handle the very vices they condemn in wider society.
- How do we deal with internal nepotism, cronyism, and corruption?
- What happens to internal guardrails against indiscipline and impunity?
- Why do we allow external interference in our affairs?
He also questioned the value of the proliferation of academic units and titles, asking pointedly: "What do our innumerable professors profess?" He called for scrutiny of their qualifications, pedigree, and contributions after attaining the prestigious rank.
Welfare, Funding, and the Crisis of Standards
Turning to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olukoju questioned its focus. He noted that Nigerian university teachers are among the worst paid in West Africa and asked if the union could prioritize member welfare. While acknowledging ASUU's role in establishing the Education Tax Fund (ETF)/TETFund, he questioned the union's leverage over the fund's mandate and operations today.
The professor expressed deep concern over the declining value of academic excellence. He criticized the "worrisome number" of First-Class Honours graduates churned out yearly, which devalues what was once an enviable grade. He argued that massification of university education is counterproductive when it leads to declining standards due to poor funding, inadequate facilities, and poor staff conditions.
His solution is an "aristocracy of talent." He proposed that the university should be for the "talented tenth" in society, with only the best tenth of those becoming lecturers, and only the best tenth of lecturers becoming professors based on measurable scholarship, teaching, and service.
Olukoju concluded by advocating for a few properly funded and monitored flagship universities in Nigeria, focused on leading research and societal engagement. He emphasized that winning grants is less important than producing tangible patents and publications from such research.
Calling for a robust but respectful debate, Professor Olukoju stated: "Perhaps, we shall disagree without being disagreeable. Let us focus on the message and respect the messenger’s inalienable right to be heard." His remarks serve as a profound challenge to all stakeholders in African higher education to commence the difficult work of self-reform.
