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Dr John Adewale Abolurin (OFR) is a retired Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He is an academic, writer who has published different articles and spoken at various conferences and seminars. In this interview with Benedicta Bassey, he speaks on educational institutions, ways the sector can be improved upon and measures to tackle the incessant kidnapping in varsities.
Excerpt:
What is the role of educational institutions in society?
Educational institutions play a vital role in shaping the future of any nation. They are the cradles where young minds are nurtured, knowledge is imparted, and skills are honed. It is within the hallowed halls of universities, colleges, and technical institutes that the seeds of innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership are sown.
In today's rapidly evolving global landscape, a nation's ability to thrive and compete on the world stage is inextricably linked to the quality of its educational system.
A robust educational framework not only equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and competencies to excel in their chosen fields but also fosters a culture of critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability traits that are essential for driving industrial growth and technological advancements.
Furthermore, educational institutions serve as incubators for groundbreaking research and development, which fuel the engines of innovation, that propel industries forward.
By promoting collaborations between academia, industry, and government, these institutions can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, paving the way for the creation of new products, services, and solutions that address societal needs and drive economic progress.
So, educational institutions contribute to industrial and national development in Nigeria.
They play pivotal roles in human capital development by equipping students with the requisite knowledge and skills. These institutions also serve as hubs for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, fostering technological advancement and economic diversification.
What are the likely factors that pose constraints to the proliferation of private varsities?
The growth of private educational institutions in Nigeria represents a significant phenomenon within the broader landscape of higher education, offering an alternative to the traditionally dominant publicly-owned universities.
This evolution reflects not only the increasing demand for tertiary education but also the deficiencies and constraints faced by public institutions in meeting this demand.
In Nigeria, the proliferation of private universities gained momentum in the 1990s, driven by factors such as rising population growth, inadequate capacity in public universities, and a desire for quality education. These institutions, often established by religious organizations, philanthropists, or entrepreneurs, have played a crucial role in expanding access to higher education and addressing the growing aspirations of Nigerian youth.
However, the ability of educational institutions in emerging economies like Nigeria to fulfill their societal roles is often constrained by a myriad of factors. Foremost among these are inadequate funding, stemming from competing priorities, fiscal constraints, and mismanagement of resources. As a result, public universities are grappling with issues such as dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate faculties, and outdated curricula, undermining their capacity to deliver quality education and conduct meaningful research.
Moreover, emerging economies face systemic challenges related to governance, policy inconsistency, and political instability, which further impede the functioning of educational institutions. In Nigeria, corruption, regulatory bottlenecks, and the politicization of academia have eroded trust in the educational sector and hindered efforts to enact meaningful reforms.
Following the recent spate of insecurity in some varsities in the country, what can institutions and government do to enhance security at our citadels of learning?
Security and safety is vital for national development.
First, educational institutions can contribute to this by incorporating peace education and conflict resolution into their curricula. This can promote values of tolerance, mutual understanding, and non-violent problem-solving, thereby mitigating the risk of social unrest and violence.
Additionally, institutions can collaborate with security agencies of the government to conduct research on emerging threats and develop strategies to counter them.
How can kidnapping and abduction in the country be tackled?
Abduction and kidnapping for ransom have emerged as one of the most disturbing problems confronting Nigeria as a state. This nefarious activity, occurring in various forms and settings, has permeated all facets of Nigerian society, posing serious threats to individual safety, social stability, and economic prosperity.
Education, often hailed as a beacon of hope and progress, stands as a potent tool in addressing such societal ills.
The scourge of kidnapping manifests in diverse forms across Nigeria, infiltrating places once deemed safe havens; no corner of the country is immune from this menace. The causes of kidnapping are deeply entrenched in socio-economic and political factors, including poverty, unemployment, political vendettas, religious intolerance, exacerbating tensions and fostering an environment ripe for criminal activities.
The implications of curbing kidnapping activities are profound and multifaceted. The ransom collected from such criminal acts fuels the burgeoning industry of banditry, providing illicit income streams for perpetrators and perpetuating cycles of violence.
Recent incidents, such as the abduction of students in Kaduna State demanding exorbitant ransoms, underscore the gravity of the situation, with ransom payments potentially reaching astronomical figures, further straining national resources.
While preventive measures exist to mitigate the risk of kidnapping, effective solutions require a concerted effort from various stakeholders and the government, including educational institutions to nip the situation in the bud.
Also, universities should equip graduates with multidisciplinary expertise, including knowledge in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), criminology, psychology, and sociology, to contribute significantly to developing innovative strategies for addressing socio-economic challenges. By leveraging their skills and expertise, graduates can play a pivotal role in advancing national development agendas and fostering a safer, more prosperous Nigeria.
What is your take on the recent approval of the new student loans by the Federal Government?
That's a fantastic move by the government. The Student loan policy will serve as a way to boost our economy and to encourage our students.
No year passes without academic disruptions or strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)- leading to delays in the graduation of students. What’s your take on this?
The government has assured students and the Academic Staff Union of Universities that they will look into their predicament with the view to come out with meaningful wages in a way of encouraging them and also seeking solutions through dialogue with them. I believe very soon, that will be a thing of the past.
Students in diaspora on the federal government’s scholarships have complained their allowances have not been disbursed for the past six months. What's your reaction to that?
I am sure the government is working on it. The government will surely address it and look for ways to function and make arrangements. Those affected should go through the government; I am sure the government will consider their request.
What are some likely employability skills to assist graduates in the labour market?
With the government putting in place the digital economy, I am sure the government will also ensure empowerment for graduates.
What's your view on the educational level in the country?
Generally, the education level of the country is improving significantly.
