The Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has urged Nigerian universities to prioritise relevance, innovation and sustainability, stressing that higher institutions should be evaluated by their impact on society rather than the number of graduates they produce.
Ajibefun stated this while delivering the second School Lecture Series of the School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, where he spoke on "Strategic Pathways to a Sustainable Environment for Teaching, Learning, Research and Community Service in a Growing University."
Represented by a Senior Lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr Adewale Olutumise, the commissioner said universities must now be assessed based on the quality of teaching, relevance of research, employability of graduates, community engagement and contributions to sustainable development.
According to him, the increasing population of students and expansion of academic programmes require institutions to strengthen infrastructure, recruit qualified personnel and improve research facilities to remain competitive.
The former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University noted that sustainability in higher education extends beyond financial stability to include quality teaching, relevant curricula, environmental responsibility, ethical research practices and inclusive governance.
He identified visionary leadership, improved infrastructure, student-centred learning, problem-solving research, digital transformation, staff development, stronger community engagement, industry partnerships, institutional discipline and diversified funding as key strategies for sustainable university development.
Ajibefun stressed that sustainable growth requires deliberate planning and consistent commitment, urging universities to build systems that preserve quality while responding to emerging societal needs.
He challenged OAUSTECH to sustain a culture of excellence, innovation, integrity and collaboration capable of producing lasting benefits for society.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, described the lecture as timely and insightful.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Prof. Foluso Adetuyi, Ologunorisa also commended the Chairman of Aduro Farms, Dr Anthony Aduro, for providing internship opportunities for students of the School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and for pledging N100 million towards the university's scale-up projects.
Earlier, the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Prof. Orimoloye Faleyimu, urged participants to translate the knowledge shared during the lecture into practical solutions.
The event featured the presentation of an award of excellence to Aduro in recognition of his contributions to education and agricultural development and was attended by government officials, academics, traditional rulers, staff and students.
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