Former Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, has challenged Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), to spearhead transformative reforms and revitalize Nigeria’s struggling higher education sector. Muhtar delivered the keynote address during the university’s 26th Founder’s Day Lecture on Saturday, calling for a reimagining of tertiary education to ensure a more sustainable future.
Speaking on the theme of “Reimagining University Education in Nigeria for a More Sustainable Future,” Muhtar lauded IUO for its pioneering role in private university education in Nigeria, urging the institution to once again lead the way by redefining tertiary learning to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global landscape.
“Igbinedion University stands as a beacon of what vision and commitment can achieve. But as we celebrate its legacy, we must also confront the sobering reality: Nigerian university education is in crisis.” Muhtar stated.
Muhtar identified a number of critical issues plaguing the nation’s tertiary institutions, including outdated curricula, a reliance on rote learning, inadequate infrastructure, underfunded research, and a disconnect between academic programs and the needs of the real world. He stressed the need to move beyond incremental improvements towards a complete reimagining of the system.
He proposed a comprehensive five-pillar strategy to reposition higher education, emphasizing dynamic and flexible curricula, experiential learning opportunities, robust digital infrastructure, impactful research initiatives, and a commitment to ethical leadership. Specifically, he challenged IUO to become Nigeria’s first fully sustainable smart campus, partner with technology firms to create a digital innovation lab, and expand its existing entrepreneurship incubator program.
“We must move from ‘publish or perish’ to ‘solve or stagnate,’” Muhtar declared, emphasizing the importance of tangible impact and urging stronger collaboration between government, academia, and industry to address the persistent issue of brain drain.
In his address, the University’s Founder and Chancellor, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, represented by Deputy Chancellor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, reiterated the institution’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence and its commitment to national development.
“From humble beginnings, Igbinedion University has grown into a globally impactful institution,” he affirmed, celebrating the university’s journey marked by vision, resilience, and a pursuit of excellence.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, described the Founder’s Day celebration as a moment for reflection and a renewed commitment to the university’s founding principles. He highlighted that IUO, established on May 10, 1999, paved the way for private sector participation in Nigerian higher education.
“We were founded at a time of zero private sector participation in tertiary education. Our pioneering role is both a responsibility and a legacy,” Ezemonye concluded. The university is now challenged to build upon this legacy and lead the charge in transforming the landscape of higher education in Nigeria.
