Sola POPOOLA
A University don Professor Azeez Olaniyan has identified undue pressure on the management as a major factor affecting the smooth running of the univesity system in Nigeria.
Olaniyan, who was the Guest Speaker at the 3rd Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti (EKSU) Alumni Association, EKiti State chapter also expressed dismay over the alleged attitude of some influential personalities who always put undue pressure on university management to influence decisions which are detrimental to the growth of the institutions.
Delivering his paper titled “University Governance In 21st Century:EKSU And Expectations Under a New Visitor”, the Professor of Political Science alsodedried over politicisation of administration and management of Universities in Nigeria, saying such had further retarded their growth and made them subservient to politicians.
He identified poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, corruption, brain drain, industrial action as some of the factors militating against seamless university administration in the country.
The University Lecturer therefore, called admonished the President and state Governors to ignore unnecessary interference of politicians in the affairs of university administration in the country to ensure effective service.
The National President of the Alumni Association, Engr. Dipo Bamisaye and National Secretary Dr Jide Akinleye acknowledged efforts being made to uplifting the University.
Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman, EKSU Alumni EKiti State chapter Mr Ayodeji Oso and the Coordinator, Ido-Osi local government, Mr Ayodeji Ogunbusuyi stressed the need for entrenchment of good governance in the university administration.
Oso said, “Democratic governance is necessary in the system. University administration should democratised properly and there should be more autonomy to the universities, with this, I believe the system will be more effective”.
Ogunbusuyi who was awarded “the association’s most dedicated male members” good governance in the administration of Universities will ensure that have the will and wherewithal to do what is expected of them.
“For instance education sector supposed to getting about 26 percent of the total budget of a state or country but what they getting is between 4 and 6 percent which is not sufficient but with good people who know the important of education in position, they will do better”.
Ogunbusuyi advised, the governor of the state, Mr Biodun Abayomi, who is the visitor to EKSU as well as an alumnus of the institution to increase the subvention to EKSU to be self sustaining and develop the university’s infrastructure.
At the event, various categories of awards were given to notable personalities and many members of the Alumni association who have distinguished themselves are doing well in thier chosen careers and service to the association.