As Nigeria prepares to mark its 65th Independence anniversary on October 1, the Vice Chancellor of Trinity University, Prof. Clement Kolawole, has called for renewed national commitment to education as the foundation for economic, political, technological, and agricultural development.

Speaking in an interview, Kolawole commended the federal government for its investments in education over the years but noted that the sector still grapples with persistent challenges. He said education has significantly transformed Nigeria since independence, raising literacy levels and improving governance and lifestyles. However, poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and weak manpower recruitment remain major obstacles.

According to him, these gaps have fueled social vices such as banditry attacks on schools, cultism, exam malpractice, indecent dressing, corruption, drug abuse, internet fraud, and declining moral values among youths. He stressed that poor remuneration for teachers has left many demoralised, while the lack of sanctions against misconduct has entrenched indiscipline in the system. “Adequate sanction must become integral to Nigeria’s education system if the country truly wants to curb rising social vices,” he declared.

Kolawole also called for more universities to cater to Nigeria’s large youthful population, warning that the establishment of institutions must not be politicised. Citing statistics, he lamented that only 35 percent of applicants secure admission yearly, leaving 65 percent stranded. He urged government to set clear guidelines that ensure new universities meet global standards instead of lowering quality.

On admission policies, the Vice Chancellor opposed restrictions on entry age, describing them as discriminatory against gifted students who could excel if admitted early. He praised the Post-UTME screening process for sanitising admissions, commending JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for curbing past malpractices.

Reiterating that poor funding is the sector’s biggest setback, Kolawole highlighted shortages in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, hostels, sporting facilities, books, and internet services. He appealed to all tiers of government to raise allocations to education, stressing that no nation can develop beyond the strength of its investment in learning.