Prof. Ibrahim Garba, the Vice-Chancellor of theAhmadu Bello University, Zaria, on Thursday expressed concern over low ranking of the institution among Nigerian universities.
Garba expressed the concern at a colloquium organised by the ABU Directorate of Research Innovation, held at the institution’s main campus in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He said: “It is very disheartening to note that any year universities ranking comes out, be it international, continental or national, ABU is always ranked lower than it should be.
“When you look at the ranking, certainly we do not deserve to be there.
“Therefore, we have to be sensitive to what they want so that we can occupy the deserved position.
“When they mention Nigeria, we deserve to hear ABU first.”
Garba also said the essence of research and development in any university was to fast-track national growth and development.
He said: “Research and development are meant to positively impact on the lives of the society because professors are servant of society.
“Professors are there to suffer for people to live better and we are supposed to be role models of the society.
“We are not supposed to be followers of anybody and we are supposed to change the course of the society.
“However, over time, we are making progress toward enhancing the development of the society.
“The development or otherwise of the society solely depended on us.”
In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Tanimu Abubakar of English and Literature Department, stressed the need for government to prioritise research and development.
NAN.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
