By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, Executive Secretary , Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund) says Research and Development (R&D) remain the right concept to shape and address the dichotomy and competitiveness capacity of Nigeria’s universities to lead others.
” This is why we give emphasis to academic staff to further their education than the non academic staff in the University system. It is logical and that was how it was conceived by law because, if the academicians are not there, what would non academic staff administer”, he rhetorically asked even as Bogoro said they were also given the opportunity on same platform of operations to further their education.
Professor Bogoro who spoke to reporters at the weekend in Sokoto on the sidelines of an interactive session management of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto while on a two day working visit to the University where he inspected facilities added” UDUS and other few Nigeria Universities have no excuse not to rise not only within the country but in Africa with what I am seeing .”
Former Vice Chancellors; Professors Aminu Mikailu, Riskuwa Arabo Shehu, DVCs, Deans, HoDs, Members of the University congregation, internal council, numerous Professors, among others were part of the session.
According to him ” research and development is the nerve centre that would propel quality innovation for the development of our universities .”
Bogoro explained that TETFund was fast tracking results oriented intervention that accommodates knowledge driven concepts rather than physical infrastructure development to meet the competing demands against challenges within the University system adding that” leadership can make a great difference in our universities system. Where poor leadership exist, it reflects down the line with attendant problems to the entire structure that made the system”, he said.
” I have a vision and believe in quality rating of Universities capacity in research and development where concept notes and successful assessment add value to the competing environment for excellence.
” I will drive the the course of ensuring TETFund establishes two or three centre of excellence each in the six geopolitical zones. UDUS and FUNAB are waxing and becoming strong to deserve such “, he noted.
He however, decried the inadequate poor condition of students accommodation which he described as a major draw back ” survey has shown that only 15% of the students are housed. This enough, will not attract international scholars to our universities “, he pointed out.
He explained that the fund was in tune and working synergy with other arms and regulatory bodies as the NUC, NBTE and NCCE respectively to project its objects.
The TETFund Boss, however, acknowledged with nostalgia, the unquantifiable but resilient contributions of the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, to the institution as well researched academic journals revived even after going moribund .
” I am convinced and elated by the leadership in UDUS and will ensure TETFund intervention is extended to the university to have a befitting Senate building by next year in addition to a centre of excellence “, he assured.
In his brief remark, the Vice Chancellor Professor Bilbis noted that TETFund had been very instrumental to repositioning tertiary institutions as universities including UDUS for remarkable results in terms of facilities and academic excellence.
” This is evident in the array of TETFund scholars currently in the university system drawing from its support.
Meanwhile, facilities inspected by the TETFund Boss included central research laboratory, Geology labs, Faculty of Engineering & Environmental Design permanent site , Faculties of Management and Social Sciences and the Prometric centre respectively.
Others are CAMRET and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UDUTH and activity at the centre for Urology and Nephrology accordingly
