A Broader Perspective on Baze University, According to Tonnie Iredia

In countries like Nigeria, the approach to establishing universities has remained largely unchanged over the past fifty years, with a focus on acquiring vast tracts of land to build imposing structures and facilities.

n

This trend has been driven by the requirements for obtaining a license to operate, which has led to a situation where it is increasingly difficult to find suitable locations for universities in urban areas, raising questions about the feasibility of building universities in remote or forested areas.

n

The traditional model of universities as standalone entities, separate from the communities they serve, has been called into question, with some arguing that this approach can actually contribute to societal problems rather than solving them.

n

For decades, the emphasis has been on creating institutions that resemble traditional universities, with little effort devoted to thinking outside the box and exploring alternative approaches, a situation that is now being reevaluated.

n

A key factor in this reevaluation is the role of leadership, with the traditional requirement for a Vice Chancellor to be a professor, regardless of their area of expertise, being reassessed in light of the need for effective leadership and administrative skills.

n

Many individuals who excel in project execution may not necessarily possess the leadership skills required to oversee the implementation of such projects, highlighting the need for a different approach to leadership in universities.

n

Universities have a mandate to create lasting value for their external environment by producing high-quality graduates who can shape society, yet they often struggle to retain these graduates to reform their own internal environments, a paradox that underscores the need for change.

n

The traditional university model has become insufficient, and it is time to look for a bigger picture, a sentiment that may have been echoed by Baze University's recent appointment of a new Vice Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi.

n

Professor Adeniyi, who previously served as Registrar of the University, brings a unique blend of academic and administrative experience to the role, having been a distinguished scholar of Communication and Media Epistemology at the same institution.

n

The appointment of Adeniyi as Registrar and subsequently as Vice Chancellor may have been a deliberate move to groom a rising academic star with administrative dexterity, allowing him to familiarize himself with the inner workings of the university.

n

Baze University's decision to think outside the box and ignore traditional decision-making processes is a strategic innovation that could help the institution survive and thrive in the long term, and is a move that is to be commended.

n

Professor Adeniyi's background as a professional journalist before entering academia provides him with a unique perspective, and he is well-positioned to modernize Baze University by combining theoretical principles with field experience.

n

As a member of both the academic and media communities, Adeniyi is particularly well-suited to lead media and communication graduates, and his appointment is a welcome development for these students.

n

However, Adeniyi and other Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities must recognize that the greatest university leaders are not those who manage their institutions effectively, but those who use their universities to shape society and drive positive change.

n

This can be achieved by repositioning research focus towards addressing national development challenges and driving economic growth, a process that must begin with a thorough review of outdated curricula that are no longer relevant in today's world.

n

Many institutions have continued to teach old theoretical courses that are not in tune with global realities or Nigeria's specific economic challenges, a situation that is both unfair and unsustainable.

n

Furthermore, there is a palpable disconnect between universities and industries in Nigeria, with little interaction or collaboration between the two, and a lack of supervision or coordination of students' industrial attachments.

n

Research conducted in Nigerian universities is often focused on career progression and academic journals, rather than on finding solutions to real-world problems, a situation that has led to the mass production of certificate holders who are not equipped to add value to society.

n

The poor remuneration of academic staff has led to a brain drain, with many gifted individuals leaving the country in search of better opportunities, leaving universities static and unable to innovate.

n

It is imperative that universities move beyond research conducted primarily for academic recognition and focus on outcomes that directly impact society and the economy, a sentiment that has been echoed by Professor Idowu Olayinka, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

n

Professor Olayinka has emphasized the need for science and technology innovation to accelerate sustainable development in society, and has highlighted the importance of universities in driving this process.

n

One potential area of focus for universities is the development of solutions to practical problems, such as the manufacture of electricity meters, which could have a significant impact on society and the economy.

n

The benefits of such an approach would be numerous, including increased productivity, reduced costs for government, and the generation of internally generated revenue for universities, which could be used to fund other projects and drive development.

n

However, if universities are unable to solve societal problems, they should not create additional problems, a situation that is currently being exacerbated by the involvement of senior university personnel in electoral malpractices.

n

It is imperative that Vice Chancellors take a strong stance against such behavior and formally dismiss individuals who have been convicted of electoral malpractices, publicizing their dismissal to deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

n

The era of the traditional university is coming to an end, and it is time for institutions to move towards a bigger picture, one that is governed by technology and artificial intelligence, and is focused on driving positive change and innovation.

n

To achieve this, universities must take giant steps to comprehend global realities and domesticate processes, converting their institutions into true citadels of learning that are equipped to drive development and innovation.

n

In today's world, the bigger picture is not about huge structures, but about great ideas that emerge from blended curricula, and it is imperative that universities adapt to this new reality and move away from traditional approaches.

n

Smart universities must come on stream, and political leaders who are unable to adjust to changing times may be overtaken by events, highlighting the need for universities to be harbingers of change and to teach and engage in meaningful research that impacts on current issues.

n

For students to be industry-ready, curricula must go beyond theoretical knowledge and offer self-reliance and self-employment opportunities, a goal that can be achieved through the use of interdisciplinary research methods and a focus on practical problem-solving.

n

Universities such as Baze must lead the way in embracing new approaches and dropping stereotypes, and we look forward to seeing references to Nigerian universities across the globe, a development that has not occurred for a long time.

n

We wish Professor Abiodun Adeniyi a successful tenure as the new Vice Chancellor of Baze University Abuja, and hope that he will provide adequate manpower for tomorrow's universities, driving innovation and positive change in the process.