Author: The Nation

Professor Chris Odetunde, Vice Chancellor, Augustine University, Ilara, Epe, in this interview with Gboyega Alaka, bares his mind on varsity education curriculum as presently constituted in Nigeria and the need for a rejig. The VC, who returned from America where he was working with NASA (National Aeronautics Aeronautics and Space Administration) to impact Nigeria’s educational system, also speaks on need to begin to adapt technology for Nigeria’s challenges, Femi Otedola’s scholarship largesse for 750 students of the institution and more.

Tucked in the corner of IIara on the outskirts of Epe, Lagos State is Augustine University. For a proper description, ‘hidden’ might just be the right word, for aside being pleasant to the eyes, it is in a location away from passersby. However, one man’s single gesture of generosity changed that in one fell swoop. Billionaire businessman and Chairman, Geregu Power Holding, Femi Otedola, during his investiture as the Chancellor of the institution in October last year, announced a scholarship of N1million each to the university’s 750 students.
Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Chris Odetunde, underlined this when he told The Nation during a recent visit to the campus, that: “That gesture sold our name to the world more than we could have done in that spate of time. Since I came here, we’ve been trying to advertise and push the name of the school out there. Like you’ve observed, many people didn’t know about us or our location, but that gift that he gave the students reverberated action helped to sell our university to the world. Some of my friends in the US even called me. So everybody now knows the university; and many students now want to come here.”

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According to Prof. Odetunde, “Mr Otedola is a man who doesn’t like to show his face all the time but likes to do uncanny things. Last year was his investiture as our Chancellor, and he also realised that some students and parents were struggling to pay school fees going by the ravaging economic hardship in the country; so, he decided to give each student one million naira each towards their tuition for 2023/2024 session. And as we speak, the students are enjoying it. However, the students that will enjoy it are students that have never been rusticated, students that has never been to SDC (Students Disciplinary committee) or expelled.
“And by the way, that’s not the only thing he has done for us. He gave us the Engineering faculty building, which is completed as we speak. He started with the first project; now, he has commissioned the second project. We want to have Electrical Electronics, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental and other departments. Even Aerospace Engineering. So it’s a continuous process for him. He’s committed to building the entire Engineering Faculty. And then he named it after his mother, Lady Doja Otedola.”
On how he thinks the gesture would impact the benefitting students, Odetunde said the money, which is directly being paid to the parents would go a long way in ameliorating the spending of the parents towards their children’s education. This, of course, is in addition to the publicity impact on the school.
When told that Otedola has been nominated for the TOCSS Entrepreneurship Support Project Honours Award, Odetunde did not hesitate before endorsing him.
“I think he deserves the award and more. Whichever organisation that is giving him the award should be proud of the fact that they made a right choice. And I’m not saying this just because he’s our Chancellor, but because he deserves it.”
Asked to speak on the idea behind the university, the Vice Chancellor said, “If you look at the history of the Catholic Church, we’ve always been at the forefront of education. I’d give you an example. Back in the days, I went to St. John’s College, Kaduna; and there are so many colleges of top quality owned by the church. Many people and organisations were setting up universities, and in the magnanimity of the then proprietor, Cardinal Olubunmi Okojie, he decided to set up this university. And of course everybody knows that whatever the Catholic Church puts its mind to, will always be top standard. The university was established in 2015; and since then, we’ve been running, not crawling. And anybody that visits the campus has always testified to the beauty and sereneness of the environment, which is designed for serious students who are ready to learn to flourish.
“Our motto is ‘For learning and Character;’ so we want our students to learn, but in addition, you must have good character. Because as brilliant as you might be, if you have a terrible character, nobody wants to hire you.”
On how they determine serious students a priori, Odetunde, who described himself as the ‘Master Servant’ of the university, said, “You don’t, but you interact with them. During interaction, we call their parents, we ask them questions, probe into their lives, where they have been, problems they’ve had… Of course, they also must have satisfied the NUC (Nigeria Universities Commission) criteria, and passed JAMB (Joint matriculation Examination); along with their five credits at O’ level in their desired area of study.”
Now the conversation shifts to affordability. A major criticism against private universities, especially church-owned universities, is their expensiveness and the fact that their fees are often beyond the reach of the common man and their church members, whose funds they used in building them.

But Odetunde shook his head in disagreement.

“If you look at the history of Augustine University, it has existed for approximately eight, nine years; and for the first eight years, there has been no increase in fees. This is because we are cognisant of the fact that we need to train students. I can tell you outright that we are not expensive, especially if you compare us to other private universities. Take for instance, Nursing in some universities is N3million, but ours is only N1.4million; we have Engineering now, we have PG School and we’ll soon have Law. Number 2, all our students stay on campus. And that is to protect them. If you allow any of the students to be staying off campus, you’d probably seeing different cars to be coming to pick them along this road. So we are sure that we would not only protect the students, we’ll also advise them, using our own life experiences to guide them; because we are all parents here. Faculty members also help us in this regard.”
According to Odetunde, the university at the moment has 23 departments. It started with two faculties: Faculty of Science and Faculty of Humanities, Management. But since his arrival, the university has added Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences, which houses the Nursing Department; it has also added Faculty of Engineering and the PG School. The students’ population has also risen to almost nine hundred.

State of Education in the country

Interestingly, Prof. Odetunde does not shy away from saying it as he sees it. This, he demonstrated when he stated outright that ‘Nigeria’s educational system is outdated’.
For one who is a major player in the sector, isn’t this a self castigation?
But he insisted: “Some of our curriculum are outdated. I think for a developing world like ours, our education should be pragmatic. If you’re an engineer, learning all the theories in this world cannot help us. What helps us is, can you translate that theory to a product? There are some people that didn’t go to school, yet you’d be surprised at what they can produce. And that is what we should encourage. Artisans should come together with the engineers and start producing. No matter how rudimentary the thing might be, let’s encourage them to come up with it; and over-time, they would improve on them. By so doing, we too will have our authentic ‘made in Nigeria products’.”
As a vice chancellor of a university, what is he doing to change this narrative?
“The Nigeria University Commission (NUC) used to give 100 per cent of the curriculum that we teach; so it was like you are in a cage and this is what you have to eat. Eat it or die. But recently, the same body has now come up with a system whereby universities are given free hand to choose 30 per cent of what they would teach. So I am sure that over the years, it will move to 40 per cent, 50 and maybe more. And at that time, each university will have the freedom to teach what will benefit their students. Our students are still very smart, but they are not challenged. They are no longer cramming textbooks; they are practical people. If you give your child a computer or I-phone, of which you are not using up to 10 percent of its facilities, that child will pieces it and he would even put it to 200 per cent use. So we need to encourage them along that line and teach them how to maximise. We need to challenge them to come up with something; we have to domesticate AI to fit into our environment; not just copy and paste. It shouldn’t be the same ‘Oh America has done this, so we also have to do it or start consuming it’. America is a different environment. We need to do something better by coming up with tailor-made technology for our needs.”
When reminded that the same set of students now use the same technology to cheat, using AI and stuff, Odetunde said, “You’re right, but we also have some software such as plagiarism checkers to counter them. So when you give me your assignment, I can check and tell you what you have done is plagiarism. So, as a student, even if you want to read something, have your own inputs; see it from your own perspective. We need to let our students think out of the box. They also should be made to know that if they can get to AI; their lecturers can also get there. Besides, the standard rule is that when you copy or paraphrase somebody’s work, you must give credit.”
That said, Odetunde was asked to assess the quality of Augustine University students; especially those that have graduated.
His answer: “I think the students are doing well, because we get reports back. They also call us from where they are. They have alumni groups and they share their success stories. Our joy now is going on the streets and having somebody tap you at the back and tell you that, ‘Sir, can you remember me? I was your student; I am now this and this’. That is the joy of teachers.”
Before Augustine University
“I was in the United States, working for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). I’m an Aeronautic Engineer. When I came back to Nigeria in 2012, I went to work in Kwara State University, Molete, where I helped them establish their Aeronautics and Astronautics Department.”
Can we then conclude that Augustine University will soon be birthing an Aeronautics and Astronautics Department?
“It’s very capital intensive, but hopefully, we’ll start making efforts towards establishing it before I leave,” Odetunde replied.

We’re all delighted at Otedola’s gesture – Azibar

According to the university registrar, Mrs Margaret Azibar, the university, students and parents are grateful for Otedola’s gesture and there is no denying it.
Tracing the history of the school, she said Cardinal Okojie, who was founder and initiator of the project, wanted a Catholic university that would be renowned for a holistic and well-rounded education in all aspects of life- academic, social wellbeing, psychological, mental….
And she says “that informed all the structures and policies we were putting on ground. I’ve been working here 11 years; we were preparing grounds for approval and take-off.”
Since taking off, she says the school has graduated five sets and produced a fair share of first-class students. The feedback has also been good from their internship, SIWESS and work-study postings, such that “people had to be inquiring about their school”.
“We also do a lot in terms of staff recruitment, to ensure that we get the best hands within available resources. And of course our leaning environment is a ‘wow’! We tried to create an atmosphere that is very conducive for learning; we also get caterers to provide their meals for them; so, no distractions in that regard as well and they are able concentrate on their academic works and perform optimally.
Contrary to the popular opinion, the school also has a robust social life. According to Azibar, “We have recreational facilities, indoor games, and other social activities. The students on their own also organise social gatherings on weekends, such as birthday parties and stuffs, within allowed rules. They even have inter-universities games and activities, where they mingle with other students from other institutions. The last football competition we had, we competed with Yabatech and won.
“And then we have entrepreneurship centre that is also very active, where the students are trained in entrepreneurial skills; you know it is also part of the requirement now. At 200-level, the students will take courses in entrepreneurship; they have the opportunity to specialise in any of the skills, such as sewing, baking, hairdressing, decoration and the likes. Usually when we have ceremonies, we bring out some of the products they make for sale.”

It’s gesture we’ll never forget
Some of the benefitting students also expressed their appreciation for Otedola’s gesture.
Augustine Chidera Osemeke
According to Augustine Chidera Osemeke, Mr Otedola’s kind gesture of providing a million naira each as scholarship for all 750 students of Augustine University remains unprecedented and utterly remarkable.
“One million naira would actually go a long way in taking care of the burden of sending a child to a private university. For me, it’s not about the money being enough but the gesture of kindness and giving, and I will like to see him extend the gesture to students in federal universities, considering that they are not as privileged as those of us in private universities.
On Otedola’s TOCSS award
“I think he definitely deserves the award, because he has been involved in a lot of charitable gestures. This is aside his successes as an entrepreneur. I don’t know if you’re aware but he recently donated the Engineering Complex to Augustine University. And there are others, even giving money donations to children that have been ravaged by terrorism in the northern part of Nigeria. It’s not every day that you come across somebody who has the wherewithal to give and who is giving. And I hope he gets more awards and I hope the awards continue to inspire him to do more.”
Asked if he has received his own money
“I can confirm receipt of mine; it was sent to my parents. And they were happy to receive it because it will help ameliorate their financial pressure.”
Does he have any problem with the money not being paid to him directly?
“No. I don’t need the money right now, but it can go into supporting them. Besides I never expected to be given the money.”

Aneme Osadebamen Rejoice
For Aneme Osadebamen Rejoice, 300-level Mass Communications student, it was a great gesture. She also says she’s not disappointed that the money was not given to her but to her parents, because “they’re the ones who have been doing the spending.”
And to her benefactor, she says: “I will like to appreciate Mr Femi Otedola for that generosity towards Augustine University students. This is not the first time he would be extending his generosity to Augustine University, so we’ll like to appreciate him for everything that he has done for the school and for the students and May God continue to bless you and provide for you and your family.
Would you say the money has impacted your family in any way?
Of course the money has impacted my family in the sense that the money they were supposed to use in paying my school fees in an entire academic session, could now be allocated to other pressing needs that had been waiting.
About his TOCSS Entrepreneurial awards nomination
“I think he deserves it; in the sense that he is a wonderful person in the society and the fact that he is trying to make Nigeria as a whole a better place. Even down to the oil and gas sector where he operates, he is trying to contribute his quota to its development and the nation as a whole.”
Aneme would also like to see the billionaire extend his gesture to other schools like secondary schools, and especially sponsor indigent students.

Oluwatoyin Funmilayo Balikiss

As for Oluwatoyin Funmilayo Balikiss, 100-level Nursing student, she is especially happy and excited for my mum. That’s because she understands that it has not been easy for her, having been picking the bills all alone after the demise of her father.
“One million naira just like that! God! I was simply elated!”She again exclaimed.
Oluwatoyin admitted she initially thought the money would be given to her but said: “It’s still fine that it would be paid to my mum’s account. Of course she’ll still be spending the money on my education.”
She also revealed that the money was yet to be paid to her mum, but said that was because she was still in 100-level, and it will surely get to her turn.
And to Otedola, she says: “Thank you very much sir, for the heartfelt contribution to the educational system.”
She also has no doubt that he deserves the TOCCS Award and more.

Chidiebube Oluoma 400-Level Computer Science

“I was very pleased when he announced that scholarship, because the truth is that it hasn’t been easy for my parents paying my school fees from my 100-level through to my 400-level. So this will be a breather for them and enable them save towards my post graduate activities,” Chidiebube Oluoma exclaimed.
“My parents were also very pleased. In fact, dad had to call me to confirm the news.”
Chidiebube is also of the opinion that Otedola deserves every commendation award for his good gestures. “Aside what he has done for us students and the school, earlier this year, he donated some funds to the Lagos State Security Funds. And of course, everyone knows that security is almost as important as education. Without it, nothing can move forward.”