Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives has disclosed that universities in the country must go beyond theory, insisting that education will not be complete if the town does not feel the impact of the gown .
Hon. Kalu expressed this view in Calabar while delivering the 37th Convocation Lecture of the University of Calabar o Thursday – yesterday, March 20.
According to Kalu in the lecture entitled ‘Our gowns in town and in Cyber space: Sustainable and human centered education, the mandate of our universities 2025 to 2075’, stated that “universities are established as engines of progress and our universities must go beyond theory.
” Our education is incomplete if the town does not feel the impact of our gown.
“Education is not about acquiring knowledge but acquiring it to shape the society.
” As we approach 2075, our education must have meaningful societal impact,” he said.
He also called for a rethink of the approach to quota education, insisting that instead of geographic quotas, we must prioritize gender parity and use quota as a tool for empowerment.
He also emphasized that universities ought to adapt to the latest digital technologies.
He said it’s a great honour to deliver the 37th Convocation Lecture of the University of Calabar saying he is a living proof that education has power.
According to him, education should not be a privilege but a birthright.
Earlier, Chairman of the Convocation Lecture Professor Eka Braide said what is taught in a university has to be things that affect the society and research outcomes should influence policy.
Also speaking, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi said the institution is proud to have produced men and women who have helped to shape Nigeria and indeed the world, adding that the institution has come of age and its graduates have held its banner high.
