UNIBEN Holds Maiden Registry Public Lecture, Honours Eminent Personalities

By Joseph Sunday 

The University of Benin has held its maiden Registry Lecture with a renowned media expert, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju delivering the Lecture titled: “University – Community Engagement: Perspectives from the Nigerian Society and Media”.

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In his speech, the Registrar of the institution, Ademola A. Bobola while welcoming the guests lauded the Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Edoba B. Omoregie, SAN for approving the programme which he said is in consonance with the 5-point agenda of the university Don. The event was formally declared open by Prof. Chris Osubor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin) on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.

Ademola while highlighting the importance of the Lecture noted that it would explore options to combat the current challenges facing the university community, host societies and the contribution of media framing in ensuring that it proffers strategies on how to improve fruitful university- community engagements.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Vice Chancellor of Kogi State University, Kabba, Prof. KIT Eniola who accepted to undertake a critical review of the book. 

Similarly, the Registrar appreciated the contributions of past Registrars and administrators since 1996, as well as Registry staff for their commitment in making the university a great citadel of learning.

“This event marks a significant milestone in our odyssey as a great citadel of learning that strives to provide quality training, as we gather to celebrate excellence and share knowledge that will shapen our ideology on university administration. It is therefore of immense benefit to staff of all categories in the University as it enhances interdisciplinary learning, professional networking/development and community engagement as well as increased awareness on the topic of discourse”, he concluded.

Delivering the Lecture, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju was of the opinion that a  university should have solid and meaningful interaction with its immediate environment.

He declared that universities are having a major influence in the growth and development on host communities while highlighting various disturbing incidents where the siting of universities caused protests and total breakdown of law and order between communities trying to influence the university to their communities. 

This he declared as an evidence that universities have assumed the role of agents of development in any given society.

Mr. Babajide who currently serves as the Director, Current Affairs, TVC News said the  perspective on university-community engagement in Nigeria is overwhelmingly positive, with both society and the media recognising its vital role in national development.

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He copied the UNESCO position (2009), which states that universities should create mutually beneficial partnerships with communities and civil society organisations to facilitate sharing and transmission of appropriate knowledge. 

The media guru also identified societal perspective, collaboration, importance of community members, positivity and benefits of addressing local issues and promoting social progress.

He posited that host communities of universities should engage in businesses and build hostels for students stating that the  influx of students creates a demand for goods and services and many residents and indigenes see this as an opportunity to earn income.m

“Indigenes of university communities often desire a more active role in university governance and operations. They want to be involved in the management of the institution, advocating for greater representation in leadership positions and a stronger connection between the university and the host community. This includes a desire for community involvement in decision-making and ensuring the university serves the needs of the surrounding area.” 

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While agreeing that universities bring modern development, the media personalty said It is crucial for university staff and students to be aware of and respect the culture and tradition of their host communities which he believes brings understanding, fosters better community engagement, promotes harmony and  enhance learning opportunities for students.

Mr. Otitoju concluded that exposure to different cultures can broaden students’ perspectives, develop their inter-cultural skills and prepare them for a globalised world. 

In the course of the event, a Director in the Federal Inland Revenue Services, (FIRS), Prince Isola O. Akingbade, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Ogbuefi (Hon) Chukwudi Dafe, Chief Columbus Chukwu, the Chief Executive Officer, Chico Trust Ventures Nigeria Limited, and Chief Abu Inu Umoru were given Special Recognition Awards during the programme.

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