…says education is a right but not free
By Tomi Lala
Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives,Rt Hon. Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila has urged the Nigerian universities to boost their international profiles so as to attract more foreign students as a means to secure sustainable funding for education.
He made the call while giving his lecture as a Guest Lecturer at the first annual lecture held at Osun State University (UNIOSUN) on Tuesday.
While speaking, Gbajabiamila emphasized that while education is a fundamental right, it is not free and it requires robust financial backing to maintain quality and accessibility.
He also highlighted successful examples from countries like the United Kingdom, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, where public universities have strategically attracted and enrolled large numbers of international students.
The former House of Rep Speaker, however, added that Nigerian universities must undergo comprehensive reforms which include upgrading curricula, adopting modern teaching methods, investing in technology and infrastructure, and providing comfortable accommodation for students, noting that there’s need to eradicate unethical practices like plagiarism, cultism, and harassment, which currently tarnish the reputation of many institutions.
He said,
“Nigerian public universities can and should increase their international profiles to become attractive destinations for international students willing and able to pay fees that might otherwise be practically and politically inexpedient for native students
“Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa have long engaged in targeted efforts to boost funding of public universities by attracting international students.
According to a research paper by CPS Research International’, the University of Nairobi has the highest number of international students, with 1,300
international students enrolled. The United States International University (USIU) is second with 1,100 students, Strathmore University is third with 660, Mount Kenya University is fourth
with 560 international learners, and Kenyatta University closes the top five with 472 such students, for a total of over 6000 international students.
“By some estimates, “there were 40,712 foreign students in South Africa as of 2019, of which just over 33, 281
were from Sub-Saharan Africa, the main region of origin. North America and Western Europe, along with South and West Asia, followed with around 2, 800 and 760 students, respectively.”
” Public universities in Nigeria can and should also look to increase their international profiles to become attractive destinations for international students willing and able to pay fees
that might otherwise be practically and politically inexpedient for native students.
“However, for our universities to compete favourably in this arena will require a dramatic and sustained increase in quality across the board. It will also require reforms of curriculum and teaching methods, investments to ensure technology access, and comfortable and suitable lodgings,
amongst others, Above all else. it would require us to embrace a culture of zero tolerance of unethical conduct” he emphasized.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who was also present at the event, commended UNIOSUN for its steady progress and the university’s leadership for fostering excellence.
He continued by assuring the university of continued government support, noting that Osun has improved its national education ranking from 33rd to 7th place within two years..
“I commend the University’s Governing Council under the astute chairmanship of Professor Wale Oladipo, for fostering good quality leadership in the University.
“On our part, I assure the Governing Council, Management, staff and all students of our support. This is why we are always quick to approve any proposal or request from the Council.
“I want to commend the Senate of this University for the regular delivery of the annual public lectures. With the knowledge we have all gained from this lecture, I am convinced that this annual lecture is never a waste of time and resources.
“Osun state is also experiencing rapid improvements in her educational achievements. In national examinations, Osun is now ranked 7th position. We were 33rd in 2022. Our target is to be ranked number one in the future.” He added.
Earlier in his welcome address, UNIOSUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye appreciated President Tinubu for allowing Gbajabiamila to attend the event.
He described the guest speaker as a modest and resourceful figure, stating that “He’s not just a politician but also a philanthropist”, he said.
