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Professor M. Adediran Mesubi |
Exploring the Idea of a University
Presented by Professor M. Adediran Mesubi
Head, Department of Chemistry. April 27, 2007
INTRODUCTION
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A university is an institution at the highest level of education.
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Knowledge producing institution.
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A depository of knowledge institution.
A World Class University must be noted for its teaching, research and
community service
WHAT INFORMED ME TO CHOOSE A UNIVERSITY TEACHING CAREER
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND EXPRESSION
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A university is a place you can argue or reason with your seniors or superiors.
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A place where ideas can be expressed openly, freely, intelligently and
responsibly without any fear of repercussion.
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A university is the most serene place to work. A place where you are what you
are by choice.
JOB SATISFACTION
A World Class University must make sure that facilities are available in order
to retain brilliant and committed academics.
COMFORTABLE LIVING
A World Class University guarantees its workers handsome renumeration, conducive
and safe environment to enable them perform maximally.
CHALLENGES OF BUILDING A WORLD CLASS UNIVERSITY
Factors Considered in Ranking Universities
Include:
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Teaching
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Research strength
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International Reputation
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Prizes
THE MAJOR CHALLENGE
The major challenge in my humble opinion is the quality of research in Nigerian
universities. If there is excellent research in our universities, it will
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Improve the quality of our teaching
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Attract international students and staff members
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Increase the number of publications in international journals
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Increase the chances of faculty member winning prestigious prizes
Therefore, in order for a university to be a World Class University, it must
build a strong research base. To achieve this, it is capital intensive
particularly in the Sciences and Engineering. It will require well equipped
laboratories with the state-of-the-art instruments. The prices of instruments
are astronomically high; they run into millions of naira as shown in the next
slide
CHEMISTRY-ANALYTICAL EQUIPMENT
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S/No |
Equipment (Description) |
Quantity |
Unit Price |
Total Price |
|
1 |
Thermo-Solar Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with accessories |
1 |
6,040,000 |
6,040,000 |
|
2 |
Thermo IR 100FT-IR Spectrophotometer |
1 |
5,500,000 |
5,500,000 |
|
3 |
Thermo Genesys 10 Scanning UV-Visible Spectrophotometer |
1 |
1,200,000 |
1,200,000 |
|
4 |
Thermo Gas Chromaotgraphy system |
1 |
6,500,000 |
6,500,000 |
|
5 |
High resolution NMR spectrometer |
1 |
100,000,000 |
100,000,000 |
|
6 |
GC-MS Spectrophotometer |
1 |
22,000,000 |
22,000,000 |
HOW DOES A UNIVERSITY COPE?
Let me offer a few suggestions:
Development of a strong university/industry or business relationship.
In developed countries like U.S.A, Germany, U.K. universities are largely funded
by industries/businesses in the form of research grants. Researchers should
works closely with industries to find solutions to their problems. In one
university a faculty earns on a yearly average more than $ 7 MILLION through
industry grant.
In some American Universities, Vice-Chancellor/President is
appointed particularly because of his/her ability to attract funds to the
university.
Research and Graduate Studies (GWC)2 MODEL
The Guelph-Waterloo Centre for Graduate Work in Chemistry and Biochemistry –
(GWC)2 combines the Department of Chemistry at the University of Guelph and the
University of Waterloo into a comprehensive and all inclusive school of graduate
Chemistry and Biochemistry. By this arrangement both departments share their
common resources both human and materials. In this way they maximize the use of
their resources. It is hoped that Covenant University will explore such
arrangement with other Universities with similar values in future.
This model will greatly help to reduce the challenges created
by lack of adequate human resources
CONCLUSION: THE JOURNEY THUS FAR.
Thank God that Covenant University has the following to her
credit in her quest to building a World Class University:
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Impressive physical infrastructure.
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Conducive and safe environment, the best available in
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Nigeria today. When other things are put in place it will
be relatively easy to attract international students and staff.
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Encouraging efforts to provide research equipment.
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Covenant University is already enjoying some national and
international recognition.
To God alone be all the glory! HALLELUYAH !!!
My gratitude and appreciation goes to the Chancellor of the
University, the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar and other Principal Officers of
the University for the opportunity given to me to serve Covenant University and
for the privilege of this evening.
THANK YOU ALL FOR LISTENING.
THE LORD BLESS YOU.
Amen
Chemistry Rules the World
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