BY ODILI CHRISTEL
Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has called on the National University Commission (NUC) to introduce language
and culture in the education system, and for the rating of Nigerian universities as being done in other countries.
The Governor made the call as he submitted the Law and Order Planning Document for the Eastern Palm University, Ogboko, Imo State, to the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) on Wednesday in Abuja.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the non classification of Nigerian universities, stating further that as long as Nigerian Universities are concerned Every university is the same.
According to him, “If you go abroad, you have Ivy League Universities but here you cannot say which university is Ivy League and which one is not, it is very challenging, that till today, we do not have classification of universities”.
Rochas stated that while the pursuit started 12 years ago as Rochas Foundation University,he gave the assurance that the Eastern Palm University will be the first Ivy League university in Nigeria noting that the structure on ground for the university far exceeds that of any other university at the point of takeoff.
He noted that to get it right as a nation, education must be on the right path, the university which is the bridge must be right.
He also noted that beyond the challenges of funding of universities, there is need for collaboration, adding that the same spirit that has not allowed government to work together is challenging to the University system.
He added that the Executive Secretary of the NUC needs to urgently address the Nigerian Governors Forum in the shortest possible time as there appears to be a communication gap between the education practitioners and the people who fund education, as there is pressing need for private and public sectors collaboration in funding education.
According to him, education is the number one industry in the state and the establishment of the Eastern Palm University is to bring human capital development closer to the people and encourage productive sector of the economy.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie said that Eastern Palm University is officially recognised as the 42nd state university and the 143rd university in Nigeria.
He reiterated the need for more universities in Nigeria in order to expand access.
According to him, quality education does not come cheap as people pay to acquire it. “If you want good education, you pay for it; if the government says it is providing free education, it must make money available to universities.
He noted that if there are facilities to ensure the progress of the project, such should be executed and must go through due process.
He urged that the Eastern Palm University must ensure integrity as its watch word, “Start small and make sure that your principal officers are men of integrity.
Mr. Okojie advised that the University must execute relevant curriculum and that Universities in the country must be up and doing concerning their responsibilities in the community and the society at large.
Okojie urged Nigerians to patronize Nigerian to patronize local Universities as they have a working structure and can provide an enabling environment to strive and ensure students will find places to work. He therefore called on employers not to look down on Nigerian graduates as their certificates are credible.