By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
The Vice Chancellor of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, in Osun State, Professor Benjamin Segun Aribisala on Thursday called on government to start funding research and development across Universities in the country.
Professor Aribisala made the call while fielding questions from journalists at a press conference organised by the institution to herald the activities of the combined 8th and 9th Convocation ceremony of the institution.
Professor Aribisala, who attributed community service, research and teaching as major responsibilities of Universities, described research as the most important, adding that its output were used for intellectual development through teaching and for developing solutions in solving human problems in the country.
According to the OUI Vice Chancellor, “I want to take this opportunity to appeal to the government to support academic staff in order to attach adequate priority to research. To achieve this, the government must produce facilities and laboratory equipment for both public and private universities.
“I am also advising government to make research grants available to researchers while it is very important for government to open TETFund funding to private Universities because all Federal government licensed universities are the same in the area of developing manpower for the nation.
“So, I can boldly say that both private and public Universities are partners in progress”.
Professor Aribasala further used the medium in calling on the Federal government to urgently do the needful to honour its agreement with Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The convocation’s programme would end today (Friday, November 26) with the award of postgraduate degrees, first degrees, conferment of honorary doctorate degrees and award of prizes to deserving graduands while the Vice President, Professor ‘Yemi Oshinbajo and Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State, among others, are expected as the special guests of honour.
The OUI Vice Chancellor however stated that no fewer than 1,000 students would be graduating.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
