A former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Wande Abimbola, has called for sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s university system, insisting that Vice-Chancellors must be selected not only for academic titles but also for their capacity to attract funds and mobilise resources.
Abimbola, a scholar of Ifa and former Presidential Adviser on Culture, stated this while featuring on Boiling Point Arena, an online interview discourse hosted by media professional and public relations strategist, Dr. Ayo Arowojolu.
Drawing from his teaching experience in 10 American universities, including Harvard and Boston University, Abimbola said several institutions abroad appoint Vice-Chancellors — often referred to as “Presidents” — who are not necessarily professors, but individuals with proven fund-raising ability and strong industry and government connections.
He recalled:“when I was at Harvard and also at Boston University, the President of the University was retiring, and the person appointed to replace him had only a Bachelor of Arts degree.
“I was wondering, how come somebody who doesn’t even have a Master’s degree becomes the President of the University?
“The truth is that in America, they put much premium on who can reach out for the university, who can raise funds, who is well connected with governments and industry, and who can really help the university.”
The former OAU helmsman lamented that Nigeria’s universities are on the brink of collapse due to chronic underfunding, stressing that Vice-Chancellors must take proactive steps to generate financial support rather than relying solely on government allocations.
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