By Godwin Otang
Nigerian Universities have been charged to be proactive in integrating core values in teaching, learning, research, and operational management.
The charge was given at the 121 inaugural lecture of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) by Professor Lucy Ambekeh Udida while delivering the topic: “restoring university core values in the Nigerian education system”.
She said universities are the engine room for knowledge production, discovery, innovation, and skills development. Hence, there is a need for it to be grounded in core values.
Prof. Udida, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Educational Administration in Higher Education averred that as institutions “prepare many of the political, as well as, social leaders, they need to increase the attention they pay to the values they instill in their graduates and how they can help identify shared values that can bring communities together rather than tearing them apart.”
The lecturer called on the government and other key institutions to expedite action in overhauling Nigeria’s higher education system to reap the advantages of the rich sector.
In her address, the Vice Chancellor of UNICAL, Prof. Florence Obi, described the topic of the lecture as apt saying, “It is in sync with the policy thrust” of her administration.
She said “Inculcating good societal values in students is key to national progress,” and assured her administration “will leave nothing to chance to uphold core values.”
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Eno Grace Nta, the university’s Administrator thanked the inaugural lecturer for contributing to knowledge and urged upcoming academics to tap from her wealth of experience by making themselves available for mentoring.
The well-attended lecture featured the presentation of a memento to the inaugural lecturer by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.
