From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Mr Kayode Ojo, has unveiled a comprehensive 10-point agenda aimed at repositioning the university to befit its status as Nigeria’s premier higher institution.
He made the disclosure in his address at the 293rd Regular Governing Council meeting of the institution.
Ojo appealed to stakeholders of the UNN to support his commitment to reviving the university’s legacy of excellence. He promised transformative changes, rooted in accountability, innovation, and integrity, for the institution.
The highlights of his plans for the institution, according to him, included smart infrastructure development, sustainable funding mode, staff empowerment, curriculum reform, digital learning, and security.
Ojo also proposed the establishment of a Faculty Development and Innovation Centre, which would focus on interdisciplinary training, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, and digital pedagogy.
While acknowledging the daunting challenges facing the university, the Pro-Chancellor was optimistic that sustainable transformation is possible. Ojo revealed that early signs of a new dawn for the university under his leadership had already started as the institution has secured ₦4billion in funding from TETFund, and both the NUC and JAMB have expanded UNN’s admission quota by over 1,000.
Addressing the institution’s revenue challenges, Ojo announced the formation of a Revenue Reforms Committee to evaluate housing and maintenance costs and develop more equitable internal revenue strategies.
He also unveiled plans for an alumni-driven funding and mentorship initiative, starting with a high-level vision-setting dinner, intended to reconnect past graduates with the university’s future.
The Pro-Chancellor said that the Governing Council under his watch would ensure that the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria would follow a transparent and merit-based selection process.