Education Expert Says Public Varsities Need Better Quality

An education expert and former vice chancellor of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Prof Akanerem Idem Essien has called on education stakeholders in Ebonyi State to improve on innovative ideas that will ensure high quality of public university education in the state.

Essien made the call during a one day summit on Inter-University collaboration, Access to TETfund, National Research fund And Moving Research to Policy in Nigeria, organised by David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, DUFUHS Uburu.

Speaking on the topic, “The Inter-University collaboration for Educational Advancement and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” Prof Essien said that the summit brought together stakeholders, leaders and experts to discuss and address specific issues, share ideas and take decisions on the subject matter of the summit.

He noted that the University Education Summit was properly constituted to enable stakeholders share knowledge, best practices and innovative ideas that will improve the quality of public university education in Ebonyi State and by extension in Nigeria with the accompanying positive outcomes.

He noted that the participants from each of the institutions in attendance would be able to create networking opportunities, showcase innovative approaches, generate some actionable take aways and initiate multi-stakeholder engagement.

Prof Essien stated that other expectations include addressing emerging trends and strategies for inter-University collaboration for educational advancement between the public universities in Ebonyi, and other Institutions nationally and globally.

“We are of the believe that the institutions would deploy the expected collaboration models to sustainable national development, establish a follow-up and follow-through network to drive meaningful change and development.”

He maintained that some of the objectives of establishing a University in Nigeria include, provision of education for all without discrimination on grounds of gender, race, ethnicity or belief.

“Our universities are expected to be producing graduates with problem-solving attitude for the purpose of service to the community, providing modern teaching and research facilities and a most conducive environment for the pursuit of learning.”

The vice chancellor, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Uburu (DUFUHS), Prof. Jesse Uneke emphasised that the initiative marked the beginning of a coordinated effort to harness the collective strengths of the institutions for impactful research and policy development.

“This summit is about building bridges. It’s about helping one another grow. No university can thrive in isolation.

“By working together, we can access research funding that individual efforts cannot secure, and we can generate evidence that directly informs policy,” he said.

Ebonyi State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka (SAN) and Prof. Nwogo Obasi, who represented the State Government, commended DUFUHS for its forward-thinking initiative.

The participants commended Governor Nwifuru for his commitment to strengthening tertiary education under the People’s Charter of Needs policy.