The Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, Prof. Francis Igbasan, said on Tuesday that universities in the country can provide solutions to the various challenges facing Nigeria, saying what is needed is attitudinal change on the part of society.
Igbasan, who addressed journalists on Tuesday at a press conference on the programmes for the 7th Convocation ceremony of the institution located at Seriki Sotayo, said the country is not deriving the maximum benefits from the universities because there is no meaningful relationship between the town and the gown.
He maintained that universities are institutions for research that provide solutions to any problem facing individuals or society, stating that by getting it right as it is done in saner climes, our universities would be harbingers of solutions to the challenges facing the country.
He said, “We have experts in various fields in our universities, but our people will not go there to seek advice or a way out whenever they are having challenges. As a farmer in Nigeria, if you have a challenge in your farming activities, the first place you need to go is the university because their experts might have just come up with research work that can help solve your problem.
“It is so sad today that our people neglect the right places to go in search of solutions to their problems. I think we lack the attitude to do things properly; only when we inculcate the ability to do things right can this country move forward as a nation. Our problem in the country is that the the town and gown relationship is lacking.”
He noted that the university, established 10 years ago, has continued to positively impact its immediate community through its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) in areas such as health centre upgrades and community outreach, stating that over 3,000 families are permanently using its health centre to date.
The Vice-Chancellor while speaking on the convocation ceremony, said it would include the investiture of the third Chancellor of the university, Dr Mutiu Sunmonu; conferment of Honorary Degrees, award of first degrees and presentation of prizes.
He disclosed that 107 students would be graduating, 10 of whom bagged first class, 57 of them second class upper, 32 of them second class lower, and the rest third class.
“We don’t just turn out students, we admit and produce quality students, with the level of education given to them, as far as our institution is concerned, we are proud of our products. We have a conducive environment for teaching and learning as there are electricity and internet facilities while our students are morally and academically sound,” he said.
