News

Deputy Speaker Says Nigerian Universities Must Impact Citizens+PHOTOS

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2025

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has called on the need for universities and institutions of higher learning in Nigeria to make a tangible impact on the citizenry.

The Deputy Speaker stated this while delivering a convocation lecture titled “Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human-Centred Education, The Mandate of Our Universities, 2025-2075” at the University of Calabar’s 37th Convocation and 50th Anniversary ceremony in Calabar, Cross River State on Thursday.

According to him, universities were established as engines of progress, but have often failed to deliver on their core mandate of innovation and problem solving.

He noted that there is a disconnect between the academia and everyday life with problems arising not from a lack of intellect, but from a misalignment with society’s needs.

The Deputy Speaker who is of the class of ’98, faculty of law of the university noted that universities have a critical role to play in driving national progress and contributing to global knowledge.

He said: “This topic: ‘Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable

and Human-Centred Education, The Mandate of Our Universities, 2025-2075′, invites us to reflect on a simple yet profound idea. Our ‘gown’ represents the academic robe. ‘Our gown in town’ is a symbol of our commitment to education that transcends the boundaries of the classroomband impacts the very fabric of our communities.

“Our universities were established as engines of progress. Today, however, we face problems highlighting a disconnect between academia and everyday life. These problems arise not from a lack of intellect but from a misalignment with society’s needs, as teaching and learning have long been measured solely by academic metrics—the length of dissertations, the complexity of theories, and the splendor of research—rather than their real-world impact.

“The challenge before us is clear: our universities must move beyond theory to practical impact, bringing the “gown” into the “town”—and now, into cyberspace—where knowledge is applied and ideas ignite change.

“If universities do not first serve their own Communities, their achievements risk remaining confined to ivory towers. Our research must offer tangible solutions, while graduates must be equipped to address real issues, from policy refinement to sustainable transportation. If the town does not feel the impact of our “gown,” our education is incomplete.

“Our universities are more than centers of learning; they are the backbone of our communities and nation. Their value lies not in certificates but in real-world impact. Institutions must go beyond academic debates, producing research that shapes policies proactively rather than reacting to crises. They should serve as policy hubs, not just locally but globally, proving that when education meets innovation, solutions follow.”

Kalu also highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s blue economy sector, emphasizing the need for universities to take the lead in building expertise tailored to the sector.

He said the sector remained largely untapped, emphasizing that it can yield $576 billion annually and create 127 million jobs by 2063 for Africa.

The Deputy Speaker also underscored the need for universities to incorporate hydrospace studies alongside town and cyberspace development, noting that universities must produce graduates who can solve real-world problems.

Kalu also said that university curricula should be updated to reflect the changing needs of society.

“Why are maritime students not modeling the economic impact of a decentralized port system? Why aren’t logistics departments partnering with fishing communities in nearby Bakassi and Oron to design cold-chain networks? If tomatoes rot in traffic jams heading to Apapa, that’s a 40% price hike in Kano markets—a problem the gown can solve with data and policy blueprints.

“As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria stands to gain immensely from a thriving Blue Economy, but only if its universities take the lead in building expertise tailored to the sector. How many institutions currently offer specialized programs in maritime studies, oceanography, or marine engineering?

“Despite these immense opportunities, the sector remains largely untapped due to insufficient investment, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of specialized knowledge. According to the United Nations Environment to in Programme (UNEP), Africa’s marine and coastal sector has the potential to generate over $100 billion in revenue by 2030. Additionally, projections indicate that the continent’s blue economy could yield $576 billion annually and create 127 million jobs by 2063.

“How many research centers focus on marine conservation, coastal management, or offshore renewable energy? Without a deliberate commitment to aligning education with national priorities, we risk missing out on an industry that could drive economic diversification, job creation, and food security.

“As we strive towards Agenda 2075, our education system must evolve to incorporate hydrospace studies alongside town and cyberspace development. The future is not just on land or in digital frontiers but also in the vast, blue wealth that surrounds us. Our universities must take the challenge of producing the maritime economists, manne scientists, and naval architects who will transform Nigenia into a leading force in Africa’s Blue Economy.

“The true measure of education is its impact on the town. How many

university projects directly tackle local challenges like power, healthcare,

water access, food security, or transportation? If universities do not first

serve their own communities, their achievements risk remaining confined to

ivory towers. Our research must offer tangible solutions, while graduates

must be equipped to address real issues, from policy refinement to sustainable transportation. If the town does not feel the impact of our “gown,” our education is incomplete.

“Our universities are more than centers of learning; they are the backbone

of our communities and nation. Their value lies not in certificates but in

real-world impact. Institutions must go beyond academic debates, producing research that shapes policies proactively rather than reacting to crises. They should serve as policy hubs, not just locally but globally, proving that when education meets innovation, solutions follow.

“It is time for our curricula to leap. Agriculture students must master drone mapping for pest control. Medical schools should integrate telemedicine and AI. Law faculties must adopt blockchain for land registry reforms. Engineering students must embrace robotics, and so on. When the gown mirrors the town’s needs, productivity follows. When we bridge the gap between academia and society, universities can drive national progress while contributing meaningfully to global knowledge.

“The question before us is simple: Will our universities shape the future or

merely react to it? The answer lies in our collective commitment to innovation, sustainability, and purpose-driven education. But to shape the

future, we must first understand how education itself has evolved”, he said.

The Deputy Speaker who received a thunderous applause from his audience and former classmates better known as “The Golden Ones” for the “powerful” lecture he delivered was equally honoured by the university of calabar with an award for his contributions to education.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, many senators and members of the House of Representatives and the Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

News

You Can Go To Court’ Is Now Mockery Of Justice, Democracy In Nigeria – Obasanjo

Published

17 minutes ago

March 25, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that democracy in Africa is failing, citing the frequent use of courts as a tool to deny justice rather than uphold it.

Speaking on the state of governance, Obasanjo criticised politicians who dismiss grievances by telling people to “go to court,” even when they know the legal system is incapable of delivering true justice.

He made this statement on Monday at an event in Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Intercontinental Hotel.

Obasanjo stated that Africa’s adoption of Western-style democracy has not served its citizens effectively, arguing that the system is alien to African values and governance structures.

“Democracy in Africa has failed because it is not African,” he declared.
He expressed concerns that democracy in its current form had devolved into mere representation rather than true governance for the people.
“Democracy has now become representative democracy, and it hasn’t taken care of everyone,” Obasanjo said

He contrasted this with the traditional African systems of governance, which he claimed were more attuned to the needs of the people.
“Abraham Lincoln described democracy as government of the people, by the people, and for the people. But what do we have today? The Greek democracy affected everyone. Now, democracy has become representative democracy, and it has not taken care of everyone,” he stated.

The former president further criticised the lack of justice in the democratic process, particularly regarding electoral disputes.

He lamented the common refrain of “go to court” when citizens seek redress, despite the prevailing lack of confidence in the judiciary.
“You will say, ‘go to court’ when you know that you can’t get justice. Democracy is dying in Africa, and to save it, it should be made in the context of Africa,” he added.

Obasanjo called for a redefinition of democracy that aligns with Africa’s cultural realities and historical governance systems.

“We should remember that in Africa, we had a form of government which attended to the needs of the people. That is democracy,” he added.

News

Sam George slams AirtelTigo sale, calls managers “enemies of the state”

Published

25 minutes ago

March 25, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has sharply criticized those responsible for managing the AirtelTigo transaction, describing them as “enemies of the state” over the sale of the telecommunications company.

He raised concerns over the decision to sell AirtelTigo—burdened with a GHC3.5 billion debt—for a token price of just one dollar.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Monday, March 24, the Minister questioned the patriotism of those who oversaw the process.

“Those who managed the AirtelTigo process are enemies of our state and individuals who have no sense of patriotism. So for anybody to have told us that they bought AirtelTigo for 1 dollar, and now that we have taken over the ministry, ATC (American Tower Company), just one of the companies AirtelTigo owes, has presented us with a bill of 1.5 billion Ghana Cedis,” he stated.
He further disclosed that discussions with the American Embassy brought to light concerns over AirtelTigo’s financial liabilities.

News

Reps Displeased With Approach Adopted In Resettling FCT Indegene

Published

3 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Members of the House of Representatives, Rep. Gaza Gbefwi has expressed displeasure with the handling of the indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as they condemned the approach adopted in resettling the people from their ancestral homes to strange locations, and some times no alternative settlement areas are provided.

Reacting to his colleague, Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, urged Nigerians to stand up, and speak against all forms of oppression, irrespective of all biases.

The lawmaker made this remarks when the House of Representatives Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters met with members of the FCT Traditional Council on Monday in Abuja.

He said: “It is painful how the people are being taken advantage of. The people of the FCT have no other home than the FCT.”

Rep Abiante who recalled multiple resettlement programmes which never ended well in favour of the indigenes, charged the traditional rulers led by Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council, HRH, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa to stand firm in defence of their subjects, who they were appointed to protect.

Abainte took advantage of the session to blame the government on how the people of the Niger Delta have been deprived of their good lives, citing the recent proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers State as oppressive and against the wishes of the people.

“It has happened in Rivers State and nobody is saying anything. If you don’t speak against injustice today, tomorrow, there would be nobody to speak for you when there is injustice. Today, it has hit you and it is moving until it gets to everybody”, he said.

The lawmaker recalled that the beginning of exploration of crude oil Nigeria was a private initiative by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) which was going well until Nigeria nationalised petroleum as a national asset, setting the stage for the myriads of problems facing the nation today.