By Usman Aliyu
Dr Mansur Muhtar, former Minister of Finance and Chairman of Bank of Industry (BOI) has challenged the Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo to spearhead transformative reforms aimed at rescuing the nation’s ailing higher education system.
Muhtar made the call on Saturday in Okada while delivering the 26th Founder’s Day Lecture of the university.
Delivering the lecture titled “Reimagining University Education in Nigeria for a More Sustainable Future,” the former minister, lauded Igbinedion University for pioneering private university education in Nigeria.
He, however, called on the institution to once again blaze the trail in redefining tertiary learning.
“Igbinedion University stands as a beacon of what vision and commitment can achieve.
“But as we celebrate its legacy, we must also confront the sobering reality, Nigerian university education is in crisis,” he said.
Muhtar, a renowned economist and banker identified outdated curricula, rote learning, decaying infrastructure, underfunded research, and a disconnect from real-world challenges as key obstacles hampering tertiary education in the country.
“It is no longer enough to reform or tweak. We must reimagine. Universities must evolve into problem-solving institutions that equip students for a rapidly changing world shaped by AI, climate change, and digital disruption,” Muhtar added.
The guest lecturer proposed a five-pillar strategy for reimagining higher education, such as developing dynamic and flexible curricula, embracing hands-on learning, investing in digital infrastructure, funding relevant research, and upholding ethical and visionary leadership.
Dr Muhtar urged Igbinedion University to take the lead by becoming Nigeria’s first fully sustainable smart campus, establishing a digital innovation lab in partnership with tech giants, and expanding its entrepreneurship incubator to train students as job creators.
He also called for inclusive partnerships among government, industry, and academia to fund education and halt the brain drain.
In a rousing conclusion, he challenged students to see themselves as “architects of the future” and faculty as “nation builders.”
In his address, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, who is the founder and Chancellor of the university, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and national development.
“From that humble beginning, Igbinedion University has grown into a leading institution producing graduates making global impact,” he said.
The chancellor, who spoke through his son and the Deputy Chancellor, Lucky, described the 26-year journey as one of “vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence”.
He noted that the institution continued to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s education sector and broader development goals.
“We have remained steadfast in providing quality education, fostering innovation, and promoting research,” the Chancellor said, while calling for sustained investment in infrastructure and partnerships to navigate the challenges facing the education sector in Nigeria.
Igbinedion saluted sacrifices of those instrumental to the successful take off of the premier private university and the current state of the institution.
“Our Vice Chancellor and his team have admirably kept the torch burning even brighter,” he added, commending faculty, students, parents, and alumni for their contributions and loyalty to the university.
Earlier in his address, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice Chancellor said the day provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the journey, and acknowledge the milestones achieved and reaffirm commitment to ideas upon which the institution was built.
Ezemonye said the establishment of Igbinedion University on May 10, 1999 laid the impeccable trajectory for private sector intervention in university education in Nigeria.
“We can better understand the growth of Igbinedion University over the years if we consider the circumstance in which our university was founded and subsequent growth in stature, visibility, acceptability and quality service delivery.
“The university was actually founded at a time of zero participation of the private sector in higher education in Nigeria; therefore we were expected to play the pioneering role,” he said.