Nigerian universities have produced more than 720 Vice Chancellors Since 1960 - Prof. Ochefu

Professor Yakubu Ochefu

Over 720 people have held the office of vice chancellor in the Nigeria University System (NUS) since 1960, according to Professor Yakubu Ochefu, secretary-general of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU).

He said that 38 women had held the position out of the 720 people who had previously held it.

Speaking in Abuja during a celebration to mark the committee's 60th anniversary, Prof. Ochefu noted that many of the members are still active in the nation's colleges while others have passed away.

The Vice-Chancellors of Federal, State, and Private Universities in Nigeria attended the Committee's inaugural meeting, he said, which was held in 1962. He added that the Committee is getting ready to mark its 60th anniversary and has been quietly working to enhance the university system.

Prof Ochefu noted that "major policies in the education system today, are from the meetings and inputs of the CVC such as harmonization of the nations academic calendar, the NYSC, JAMB, Welfare of staff of the universities, predatory journals to promote good journal practices in the university system and the minimum academic benchmark and core curriculum of universities."

He noted that the university system had numerous obstacles, including those related to funding and access, but was able to overcome them, noting that reaching the milestone of 60 years was an outstanding accomplishment.

The university dean cited inadequate research funding as the reason why Nigerians, particularly those from the intellectual community, do not receive Nobel Laureate awards, stating that for an idea to be considered for the Nobel prize, it must make significant advances in cutting-edge research.