Professorship Shouldn’t Be a Prerequisite for Vice Chancellors — Ex‑OAU VC Abimbola

Sele Media Africa www.selemedia.org Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter

Professorship Shouldn’t Be a Prerequisite for Vice Chancellors — Ex‑OAU VC Abimbola

Professor Wande Abimbola, former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile‑Ife, has argued that being a professor should not be a mandatory requirement for appointment as vice chancellor in Nigerian universities. Speaking on the Boiling Point Arena, a public affairs program hosted by Dr. Ayo Arowojolu, Abimbola emphasized that what matters more in a vice chancellor are abilities like “raising funds, securing developmental projects, and improving institutional governance,” rather than the academic title alone. He pointed out that in the United States, there have been university presidents with only a bachelor’s degree, and what counts there is leadership, influence, connections, and capacity to advance the university. Abimbola also criticized the declining funding of universities in Nigeria, calling it a “tragedy” and said vice chancellors should make the most of alumni networks and other sources of support to help their institutions survive and thrive. Finally, he urged the Federal Government to set up a commission of inquiry to recommend reforms for Nigeria’s higher education system to restore quality and effectiveness.

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Mafeng Gyang Adams

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Mafeng Gyang Adams is a dedicated journalist and editorial strategist, serving as the News Editor at Sele Media Africa. With a sharp eye for headlines that matter and a passion for truth-driven storytelling, Mafeng leads the newsroom with clarity and purpose. He ensures that every report meets the highest editorial standards, delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news to audiences across Africa and beyond.

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