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Renowned scholar and historian, Professor Toyin Falola of the University of Texas, Austin, has commended the founder of Atiba University, Oyo, Dr. James Adesokan Ojebode, for his commitment to advancing education in Nigeria.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Founders’ Public Lecture Series held at the university’s hall in Oyo Town, Falola praised Ojebode’s dedication to education, emphasizing that he prioritized national development over personal luxury.
“I want us to appreciate the founder for conceiving and establishing this university,” Falola said.
“There are wealthy individuals who choose to spend their money on personal pleasures, but here we have a man investing in education for the betterment of society.”
Falola urged privileged Nigerians to support students struggling with tuition fees, citing his own initiative at Babcock University, where he helps students complete their education despite financial challenges.
“No one is programmed to be a failure,” he added, recounting his personal journey of overcoming hardship, including losing his father at five months old and not meeting his mother until he was ten.
He advised students to embrace lifelong learning beyond university education. “I graduated with a degree in history, but today, I am a master in 11 fields,” he noted.
Falola also stressed the need for Nigerian universities to integrate technology and entrepreneurship into their curriculum.
“The university of the future must empower students with technology. Institutions should encourage project incubation, reward innovative ideas, and seek investors to develop them into marketable products,” he said.
He further advocated for extending government scholarships and TETFUND benefits to students and private universities, stating, “Education infrastructure and facilities must be improved for sustainable development.”
Ojebode Unveils Tuition-Free Programs in Agriculture and Education
In his remarks, Atiba University’s founder, Dr. Ojebode, announced that the institution had introduced tuition-free courses in agriculture and education to address critical development needs in Nigeria.
“Agriculture is central to Nigeria’s economy, and training the next generation of agricultural professionals is essential for food security and economic growth,” Ojebode explained. “Similarly, education plays a crucial role in national development, and nurturing quality teachers is vital for the country’s future.”
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s education sector, acknowledging government efforts in infrastructure revitalization, teacher training, and scholarships.
Atiba University Committed to Shaping Future Leaders
Atiba University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Okeniyi, emphasized the institution’s mission to redefine higher education in Nigeria.
“Atiba University is not just another institution; it is a movement,” he said. “We are equipping our students with skills beyond degrees, preparing them to be leaders, thinkers, and innovators who will drive Nigeria’s progress.”
The event, themed “Rethinking Tertiary Education in Nigeria through Private Universities for Sustainable Development,” was attended by notable scholars, policymakers, and education stakeholders.
Among them were Oyo State’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Salihu Adelabu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Seyi Omo-Ode.
