National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Olumide Olusegun |
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode Adebowale, has reaffirmed the institution’s position as the best university in Nigeria and West Africa.
Speaking during the 2024 Convocation and 76th Foundation Day Ceremony held at the University’s International Conference Centre on Monday, Professor Adebowale highlighted funding as the greatest challenge facing Nigerian universities, including UI. Despite this, he noted that the institution continues to excel in academic rankings.
The Vice-Chancellor criticized the growing trend of universities tailoring all their activities to meet specific ranking requirements, warning that such an approach is counterproductive.
“I have observed some universities conditioning all their activities to suit particular ranking bodies. This, I believe, is counterproductive as it leads to a lack of creativity, innovation, and makes them stereotyped and artificial,” he said.
He added that the University of Ibadan’s success stems from its long-standing tradition of excellence, which naturally aligns with any ranking system without compromising its originality and values.
He added, “The University of Ibadan has now moved up to the seventh position in Africa. It has climbed up to the 401 – 500 category in the Time Higher Education 2024 rankings in the area of Clinical and Health.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the cumulative commitment to excellence of planning and execution by the past and current leadership, faculty, and staff of the University,” the vice chancellor said.
