Gbajabiamila urges reforms in public universities for global competitiveness

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Gbajabiamila, has called for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s public university system to improve quality and enhance global competitiveness.

Speaking at the inaugural annual lecture of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), titled “Interrogating Funding of Education: Global Versus Nigeria Perspectives,” Gbajabiamila emphasized the importance of raising the international profiles of Nigerian universities to attract global students.

“For our universities to compete favourably in this arena, it will require a dramatic and sustained increase in quality across the board. It will also require reforms of curriculum and teaching methods, investments to ensure technology access, and comfortable and suitable lodgings, amongst others,” he said.

Gbajabiamila also stressed the need to eliminate unethical practices such as plagiarism, cultism, and sexual harassment, while fostering a culture of excellence within public universities.

As guest lecturer, he advocated for stronger collaboration between universities and the private sector to drive innovation, research commercialization, and economic development.

“Across the world, when academia collaborates with the private sector, it creates a robust ecosystem for innovation, research commercialization, and economic growth. Universities provide cutting-edge research, talent, and expertise, while businesses offer funding, market insights, and real-world applications for discoveries.

“This synergy has led to the rise of technology parks, incubators, and research clusters that accelerate breakthroughs in biotechnology, AI, and renewable energy. Examples include Silicon Valley in the U.S., Cambridge’s tech cluster in the UK, and Shenzhen’s innovation hubs in China. These partnerships don’t just fuel technological progress—they also boost job creation and global competitiveness,” he noted.

In his address, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, praised the university’s senate for initiating the lecture series, describing it as a commendable and impactful effort.

He thanked Gbajabiamila for honouring the invitation and contributing valuable insights that would benefit governments at all levels.