The Vice Chancellor, Abia State University Uturu, Prof. Onyemachi Ogbulu, expressed worry over the turbulent period the education sector in Nigeria is facing
Ogbulu, who said the situation is worrisome, made this known on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming 29th convocation ceremony of the university.
He stated that “it will be double jeopardy to allow the frightening insecurity challenges swallow up our universities struggling to survive in these times.
“It is sad to observe how we have allowed and continued to allow the systematic collapse of education in Nigeria.
“Some who, perhaps, attended universities in the 1980s or early 90s will recall with nostalgia the good old days even though with their own challenges.
“But this is not anymore and we all may have inadvertently contributed to the failure of the system in one way or the other.
“If it was not for the press, it might have been through those you voted for and supported to be in government to make policies in matters affecting education.
“Therefore, since we are culpable, somehow, we must also collectively come together to revive and resuscitate the sector.”
The VC further advised, “We must refrain from promoting stories that engender strife and/or destabilise the system. We must instead, support meaningful policies and efforts that will bring life back to our education system.
“The forthcoming election provides us with yet another opportunity to make a wise decision.”
Ogbulu disclosed that a total of 3,724 graduates would be graduating out of which 19 are first class graduands.
He further disclosed that his administration was systematically liquidating salary arrears of lecturers occasioned by COVID-19 lockdown and the recent sympathy strike by the lecturers.
He further affirmed that the school’s position on fee increase still stands and will be implemented adding however “some school fees will be reduced.”
He disclosed that eminent Nigerians, including Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Dr. Reginald Stanley, Apostle (Mrs) Folurunsho Alakija and Chief Aigboji Aig-Imoukhuade would be honoured.
