PRESS STATEMENT

 

KolaDaisi University Shows the Way: Why Can’t Public Universities Follow?


KolaDaisi University - The recent appointment of Professor Adegbenro Adebanbo as Vice-Chancellor of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, has once again highlighted the difference in how private and public universities select their leaders.

KolaDaisi University, like many other private institutions, went through a rigorous, merit-based process to appoint its first female Vice-Chancellor -  a scholar with proven academic records, administrative experience, and integrity. Sadly, the same standard is rarely applied in many public universities.

“My worry is this,” a concerned stakeholder stated.

“If private universities can take the pain to go through a rigorous selection process in appointing the best candidate as Vice-Chancellor, why are most public universities defaulting? In many cases, the least-performing professor with political connections often gets the position.”

The consequences are evident in global rankings. Nigerian universities have consistently lagged behind in world university rankings, with critics linking the decline to leadership appointments driven by politics rather than merit.

The stakeholder further raised concerns about academic integrity:

“What manner of degree would a professor, who is found worthy in character and learning, award to a student whose qualification is not based on being found worthy in character and learning? Such questionable degrees are already manifesting across society.”

The statement calls on government and university governing councils to return to the established criteria for appointing Vice-Chancellors.

“Government should respect the established criteria for appointing Vice-Chancellors and restore sanctity to the university system,” the statement concluded.

“Professor Adebanbo’s appointment at KolaDaisi University proves that it can be done. The same standard should apply everywhere.”

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Ambrose Odiase
Founding Editor/Publisher, CampusDialog
FIPMA, MANUPA, MAUA (UK)
08032708307

It's the belief of CampusDialog that this PRESS STATEMENT will:


  1. It provides a concrete example - Professor Adebanbo’s appointment makes the issue real rather than abstract. Journalists respond well to identifiable names and institutions.

  2. It keeps the contrast clear - KolaDaisi University is presented as a model of merit-based leadership selection, while public universities are criticized for political interference.

  3. It ends with a solution - “It can be done. The same should apply everywhere.” This shifts the narrative from mere criticism to constructive advocacy.

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