PROFESSOR Oloruntoyin Falola, an African leading historian, has opined that private universities should also benefit from Federal Government funding.
Falola made the assertion during his acceptance speech at the conferment of an honourary degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) on him by Redeemers’ University (RUN), Ede Osun State, at its 9th convocation, on Thursday.
Falola, is the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities and University Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, United States of America (USA).
“Private universities are owned by Nigerians they should also benefit from the federal government” he said, as he encouraged the graduants named, ‘Divine Champions’ to use their skills and give back to the school and society at large.
“Use your skills, pray for success, remember to give back. It is by giving back that this place will be greater than you and us. You are a product of vision, extend the vision in positive ways. We will contribute in our small ways to make this place great. We will not tarnish your reputation. We are ambassadors of Nigeria and this university,” Falola said.
A global icon in African Studies, Toyin Falola has previously received seven honorary doctorates from Lincoln University, Monmouth University, and City University of New York, Staten Island all in USA; Lead City University, Adekunle Ajasin University, Tai Solarin University of Education and from the University of Jos, Nigeria.
Pro-chancellor of RUN, Pastor Tokubo Adesanya, also commended the impactful contributions of Professor Falola to the transformation of Africa and globally.
Adesanya said the award was in recognition of the eminent historian’s matchless contributions to scholarship, conscientious leadership, generous benevolence, pan-Africanist spirit, passion for the transformation of the African Continent and Annual endowment to fund the education of poor people.
“We celebrate Professor Falola’s contribution to the growth of the society. This has singled him out from many. We congratulate you for the honour well deserved,” he said.
Dignitaries at the convocation were, the visitor, Pastor E.A. Adeboye and Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, Deputy Governor, Osun State, Mrs Grace Tomori, Chancellor, RUN, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, chairman of RUN, BOT, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, represented by Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, Pastor Funso Odesola to mention afew.
Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has tasked both public and private universities to raise elite rangers of problems solvers, who would proffer lasting solutions to myriad of socio-economic challenges, confronting the country.
He gave the charge during the 9th convocation ceremony of the Redeemer’s University (RUN), which was held inside the main hall of the institution in Ede, Osun State, on Thursday.
Osinbajo, who also tasked all institutions of higher learning to assume the status of a breeding house, said “the primary assignment of the academic community should be to raise the elite rangers of problem solvers and not just job seekers”.
The Vice President, who was represented by Pastor Idowu Iluyomade hinted that “there is need for a paradigm shift in our curriculum to enable the products of our ivory towers adapt to ever-changing world. Until we begin to have innovators and courageous initiators of start-up businesses straight from the universities, education rather than being a blessing, would continue to be a burden”.
and then