The Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigeria Universities has decried the continued decay of Nigerian Universities since 1980 to date.
The Heads of Private, States and Federal Government Universities said they are deploying all avenues to see that the university institutions are turned around to comply with the government’s desire to use them for the management of its economy, particularly in the area of economic uncertainties.
These were the highlights of concerns raised at the opening ceremony of the 31st Annual Conference of the Association, which opened on Monday at Chief Richard Akinjide Centre for International Law and Diplomacy at the permanent site of the University of Jos in Plateau state.
Briefing newsmen as part of activities billed for the programme, the host Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Heyward Mafuyai, said the event, tagged: “UniJos 2016,” is a platform where the AVCNU gathers to discuss the common problems relating to Inter-University cooperation, students affairs and international cooperation.
Mafuyai said during the event, issues of structures of universities and policies will be articulated to further engage government on how best to move the educational sector to the international competitive advantage.
He said the occasion, which will be formally declared open on Tuesday by Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State, is topical and has been kick started with special workshop on academic ceremonies for the vice-chancellors.
According to him, the Vice chancellor and Principal, University of Withwatersland, South Africa, Prof. Adam Habib, will deliver the key note address.
Mafuyai hinted that AVCNU, which is made up of three components committees comprising of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigeria State Universities, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigeria Private Universities and Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Private Universities, have realized the need to to forge a united front in addressing the challenges facing University education in Nigeria.
He added: “ACVNU aims to ensure that University education plays a pivotal role in human and material development of the Nigerian nation. This is by pursuing joint action in achieving quality education and higher academic standards.
“This forms the basis of our theme for this year’s conference: ‘Quality assurance and global competitiveness: A challenge for Nigeria.’”