By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has issued a call to action for Nigerian universities to move beyond theoretical knowledge and drive societal impact.
Delivering the 37th convocation lecture at the University of Calabar, Kalu emphasized that education is incomplete if communities don’t feel the impact of academic work. He said that universities must be catalysts for national development. He said, “Universities are established as engines of progress. That is why they must go beyond theories.”
Kalu argued that education should equip students to transform society, not just acquire knowledge. “As we approach 2075, our education must have meaningful societal impact. Our learning institutions must bridge the gap between knowledge and real world application,” he said.
To achieve this, Kalu suggested a review of Nigeria’s quota system, shifting from geographic to gender-based quotas to promote empowerment. He also urged universities to adopt digital technology, stating its potential to enhance their global competitiveness. “With the right digital adoption, our universities can redefine their future and remain globally competitive,” he said.
