By Waziri Isa Adam Gwantu
ILORIN – The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, has unveiled Blueprint 2.0 for the revitalisation of the Nigerian University System, describing Vice-Chancellors as indispensable partners in driving the reforms.
Professor Ribadu stated this on Monday in his goodwill message at the 37th General Assembly Conference of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, CVCNU, held at the Main Auditorium, University of Ilorin.
He said the Commission has embarked on a bold programme of reform anchored on 7 strategic pillars, including expanding access, strengthening quality assurance, driving digitisation, promoting research and innovation, reviewing the NUC Act to enhance effectiveness and stabilising the academic calendar.
“Since assuming office, I have made it clear that our focus is on reforms that are practical, measurable and capable of delivering lasting impact,” he said.
The NUC Boss noted that leading a Nigerian university today is no easy task as Vice-Chancellors are expected to do more while maintaining academic quality and preparing graduates for a rapidly changing world. He cited the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid rise of AI and geopolitical tensions as disruptions reshaping economies and societies.
To address these challenges, Ribadu said the Commission has developed Blueprint 2.0, built around 13 strategic objectives. He said the Blueprint provides a comprehensive roadmap for reform and charts a clear path for the sustainable transformation of universities.
“Blueprint 2.0 is not intended to become just another policy document. Its implementation will be monitored continuously, with regular assessments of progress and adjustments made where necessary to ensure that our reforms remain relevant and impactful,” he said.
Ribadu expressed optimism about progress made towards restoring stability to the Nigerian University System. He noted that the recently signed agreements between the Federal Government and university-based unions “will go a long way in ensuring a more stable academic calendar.”
He said partnership must also come with responsibility, adding that one of the Commission’s statutory responsibilities is to protect the integrity of the university system. He said public confidence in universities depends on a collective commitment to uphold standards.
In this regard, he said the Commission introduced new guidelines governing the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees. He noted that the guidelines received the approval of the Federal Executive Council, reflecting the importance attached to preserving the credibility of universities and the value of the honours they confer.
“I therefore wish to remind all universities that compliance with the Commission’s regulatory guidelines, including those governing the award and use of honorary doctorate degrees, is essential to preserving the integrity of the NUS and sustaining public confidence in our universities,” he said.
The Executive Secretary commended CVCNU for sustaining the platform, saying meetings such as this provide opportunities to chart practical pathways for strengthening the system. He reaffirmed NUC’s commitment to working with Vice-Chancellors to build universities that are respected for their quality and valued for their contribution to national development.