From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, has described the KU8+ Consortium as a model for repositioning Nigeria’s university system amid dwindling resources and the rapid evolution of technology.
Speaking at the opening of the 3rd KU8+ Consortium International Conference held at Kwara State University recently, Professor Ribadu, who was represented by Professor Adebola Ekanola, said Nigerian universities must rethink their traditional operations by embracing collaboration, innovation, and shared resources.
“The KU8+ Consortium is a commendable initiative. By pooling resources and expertise, member institutions can produce graduates who are not only employable but capable of driving meaningful economic transformation,” he said. He added that the NUC is eager to learn from the outcomes of such academic partnerships.
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The KU8+ Consortium is a network of public universities aimed at promoting collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and joint innovation across Nigeria.
Kwara State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Kawu, who also spoke at the event, said the state government remains committed to supporting higher education in alignment with national goals.
“This consortium proves that cooperation among universities brings about excellence. Under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Kwara is investing heavily in tertiary education in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.
Chairman of the event and Pro-Chancellor of Kwara State University, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, OON, said the birth and growth of the KU8+ Consortium reflects Kwara’s rising importance in human capital development.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and Chief Host of the conference, Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN, noted that no university can thrive in isolation, stressing that collective action is essential for national development.
“Teaching, research, innovation, and community service must be jointly pursued to impact society meaningfully,” he said.
The host Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, reiterated that the core mission of KU8+ is rooted in innovation and sustainability. He said the conference theme, “Innovation and Sustainability of Higher Education in a Changing World”, was chosen to inspire action across member institutions.
Two keynote speakers, Professor Olutayo Adesina of the University of Ibadan and the University of Manchester, and Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola, former Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, delivered lead papers on the future of higher education.
Professor Adesina urged Nigerian universities to prioritise local relevance, saying, “Before seeking global or regional relevance, universities must first serve and impact their immediate communities.”
Professor Babalola, in her paper, called for a shift in focus from theory-based education to practical problem-solving skills. “Our institutions must aim to produce graduates who can tackle societal challenges, not just fill job quotas,” she said.
The conference brought together academia, policymakers, and education stakeholders to explore strategies for transforming Nigeria’s tertiary education system through collaborative innovation.
