By Waziri Isa Adam Gwantu
ILORIN – The Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, CVCNU, Professor Andrew Haruna, has called on Vice-Chancellors to embrace unity and collective responsibility to build resilient universities for Nigeria.
Professor Haruna made the call on while delivering the welcome address at the opening of the 37th Annual Conference and General Assembly of CVCNU held at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
He said the Nigerian university system now comprises 324 universities made up of federal, state and private, as well as specialised and conventional institutions, both old and emerging. He noted that despite differences in proprietorship and circumstances, “we belong to one Nigerian University System” and that diversity should be a source of strength.
“CVCNU is strongest when Vice-Chancellors act together,” he said. He urged institutions to learn from one another, adding that federal universities can learn from state and private universities just as the others can learn from federal institutions.
The Secretary-General traced the history of CVCNU to 64 years of collective leadership, consultation, collaboration, partnership, capacity building and solidarity. He said the spirit of collective responsibility contributed to important developments in higher education, including the establishment of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and other policies. He also cited the Keffi Declaration of 2012 as an example of what is possible when Vice-Chancellors speak collectively.
Haruna stressed that universities must remain accountable to government, governing councils, students, parents and Nigerians. However, he warned that accountability “should not become an excuse for unwarranted interference in the legitimate administration of our institutions.” He said the integrity and appropriate autonomy of the university system must be protected, and that “When the legitimate authority of one institution is threatened, it should concern us all.”
He called for constructive engagement with government, governing councils, regulatory agencies, labour unions, industry and other stakeholders, founded on mutual respect, accountability and clearly defined responsibilities. He said there will be occasions when “an individual Vice-Chancellor cannot speak alone” and at such moments “the collective voice of CVCNU must be heard.”
On the theme of the conference, “Building Resilient Universities for Nigeria,” Haruna said it was timely given financial pressures, technological disruption and artificial intelligence, changing student expectations, governance and autonomy concerns, industrial relations challenges, and increasing global competition. He said resilient universities require resilient leadership that is prepared to learn, innovate, collaborate and make difficult decisions.
He urged Vice-Chancellors to participate actively in CVCNU activities, attend the General Assembly, take part in cohort meetings, honour invitations from colleagues and contribute to deliberations. He also said the Committee should not exist only during crises, and that leaders should support and celebrate one another.
“We are custodians of institutions that existed before us and must remain strong long after our tenures have ended,” he said. “Our university system has always benefited when its leaders choose cooperation over isolation, consultation over confrontation and collective purpose over individual institutional interest.”
Professor Haruna appreciated the host, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, the Governing Council, Management, staff and students for their hospitality. He also commended staff of the CVCNU Secretariat, including his Deputy, Mr Peter Awoliyi, and Assistant Secretary-General, Dr. Sylverina Olaghere, and her team for their work.
He concluded by expressing hope that the deliberations would “renew our fellowship, strengthen our institutions and contribute meaningfully to building the resilient university system that Nigeria needs.”