By Gabriel Dike
Vice Chancellor of Babcock University (BU) Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Ademola Tayo has assured stakeholders that the 22-year-old institution would not lower its academic standard.
He also assured that the university would continue to improve on its existing facilities to ensure the delivery of quality academic services to students.
Prof. Tayo made the pledge at its annual get-together with the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) to appreciate their coverage of the all-important sector of the nation’s economy.
His words: “Some people erroneously say we are churning out too many students with First Class. Here at Babcock University, our students merit every degree we award to them. I want to assure that Babcock University will not lower its academic standard.
“We are waiting for Law School results. Last year, 22 of our students came out with First Class. Many of the graduates made 2nd Class Upper but recorded First Class at the Bar exam. Last year, BU had 22 students in the same class in Canada. In nursing results, BU students recorded 100 percent Pass.
“In the area of facilities, Babcock University has continued to improve on existing facilities. New ones are springing up in different schools. These facilities are meant to enhance the learning process of our students and academic staff.”
He added further, “at BU, we are dedicated to the relentless pursuit of academic excellence. Over the past decade, we have accomplished notable achievements, including the establishment of a cutting-edge entrepreneurship training center in Ekiti, the prestigious Babcock Business School in Lagos, the launch of the Center for Open Distance Learning, the diversification of our academic programmes, the enhancement of our infrastructure, and the expansion of our student body.”
According to him, BU has strengthened its research capabilities, fostered partnerships with both industry and academia, and intensified its community engagement efforts.
He explained that the gathering is to commemorate the unflinching contributions of the Education Writers Association of Nigeria to the field of journalism, as well as to the educational landscape of our nation.
“Your steadfast commitment to reporting on educational matters, your dedication to narrative grounded in facts, fairness, and your fervour for championing excellence in education have fundamentally transformed governmental perspectives and institutional approaches to academic affairs. Your endeavours have not escaped our recognition.”
Prof. Tayo stressed that the upcoming year signifies the conclusion of his tenure, noting, “I am optimistic that the university will continue to prosper and expand in the forthcoming years with your single-minded support.”
The VC said dinner is to commemorate not only EWAN’s contributions to educational journalism but also the significant alliance between Babcock University and EWAN. He further added that the university anticipate sustaining the partnership and exploring avenues to advance excellence in educational journalism.
Tayo used the occasion to emphasise the pivotal role that journalists play in upholding the ethics of the profession, stating, ‘’in an era where misinformation and disinformation can proliferate rapidly, it is more crucial than ever that journalists adhere to the utmost standards of accuracy, fairness, transparency, and accountability.’’
He observed that EWAN carry a distinct responsibility to cover the issues that influence the intellects and destinies of the youth. The VC implored the body to persist in pursuing excellence in their reporting, and to demand accountability from both members and others for the highest echelons of journalistic integrity.
Said he: “But your role transcends mere reporting of events. As journalists, you wield the ability to influence public discourse and ignite positive transformation. Your Association has spearheaded this mission through its annual conference. I implore you to persist in leveraging this influence to foster peace, empathy, and prosperity within our nation and on a global scale.
“Let us, therefore, utilise our professional platform to advocate for unity rather than perpetuate division through disparaging or destructive narratives. We are not divided into four separate entities, but rather constitute a singular nation. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard and nurture it for the betterment of all.”
He recognised the pivotal role that education writers play in shaping the discourse surrounding education, “your contributions serve to uphold accountability among stakeholders, foster transparency, and ignite positive transformations within our educational framework. We have greatly benefited from the caliber of your journalism and the resolute dedication you have displayed towards our institution.”
According to him, in a society where discord and strife often dominate the headlines, sometimes orchestrated by politicisation of issues, he implored journalists to seek out narratives that champion unity, compassion, and comprehension, stating, “let us embrace our diversity, while concurrently pursuing commonality.”
The BU helmsman acknowledged the pivotal role that education plays in fostering harmony and affluence and stressed that EWAN members possess a distinctive platform to showcase both the triumphs and trials of the educational framework, as well as advocate for innovative resolutions to the intricate issues we encounter.