By Samuel Torlumun
Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities, (ARNU) has been charged to come up with lasting solutions to the turbulent waves of strike actions threatening the future of university education system in Nigeria.
Stakeholders who gave the charge while declaring open the 17th Retreat and 72nd Business Meeting of ARNU, hosted by Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said, as custodians of sound ethics and best practices in the administration of universities in Nigeria, Registrars are in an informed position to proffer workable solutions to end the tide.
One of such speaker is the executive governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule. Represented by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Hon. Fati Sabo Jimeta, the governor said if not checked, these litanies of strikes and industrial unrest will threaten the survival of the university system in Nigeria.
He said it is gratifying that registrars of Nigerian universities deemed it fit to gather together through ARNU, upon which they can make infusion that will help in providing periodic appraisal and prior review of higher education sector with the view to re-aligning objectives with outcomes.
“It is on this bases that I find the theme of this year’s event, (Administering Nigerian Universities of the Future; Expectations and Drawbacks) will spare no effort in addressing concerns expressed in some quarters that our universities today are gearing from citadel of learning, center for research, innovation and documentation to mere outlets for issuance of certificates.” He said.
For the Vice Chancellor Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Bala Mohammed, the choice theme is apt, coming shortly after the time all the Unions in public universities went on strike.
He opined that, it is worth deliberating on, because as long as strikes actions are allowed to linger, Nigeria will continue to trail behind other countries not just educationally but in terms of development.
“I hope through this retreat, we will have a robust discussion and critical analysis of issues confronting us with a view of charting a sustainable future for Nigerian Universities” he added.
In a related development, the Emir of Keffi, and Chancellor of NSUK, His Royal Highness, Alh. Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III called on ARNU to create a bilateral consultancy relationship with traditional institution to help them perform the registry assigned task. He explained that the modern administration and Marx Weber theories on bureaucracy draw it’s universal appeal from traditional administrative system.
In respect to sustainable leadership and strategic decision making in Nigerian universities, the Chancellor tasked university chief scribes to administer with the fear of God, as everyone will be called to account.
In his remark, Chairman ARNU, Dr. Abubakar Mamuda stated that the theme of this year’s event was carefully chosen, taking into cognizance present realities confronting university education system in Nigeria, as well as emerging global trends.
“Our task as managers of Nigerian universities is to understand these changes with a view of utilizing them for the development of our universities to compete globally. As Registrars, who sit at the crossroads of university administration, it is important to understand these changes and develop adaptions, that will make our universities competitive in the global race” he pointed out.
This year’s ARNU Conference is titled Administering Nigerian Universities of the future; Expectations and Drawbacks. Apex News Exclusive observes that over 100 Nigerian Universities Registrars are in attendance in the ongoing three-day event.
