Address By Chief S.O. Adebo, Chancellor of The University Of Lagos At The University's Congregation. (1990 Matriculation and Convocation Speeches)
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Date
1990-03-14
Authors
Adebo, S.O.
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Publisher
University Of Lagos Press
Abstract
This article explores the 1990 convocation address delivered by Chief S. O. Adebo, Chairman of the University of Lagos, at a period marked by deep introspection and calls for reform in Nigeria’s higher education system. Speaking to a gathering of academics, students, and dignitaries—including the Minister of Education and representatives of the Federal Government—Chief Adebo uses the occasion to reflect on the role of universities as enduring communities of learning. He begins by acknowledging goodwill messages from state and federal authorities, before transitioning into a candid commentary on the diminishing public regard for universities and academic staff. Adebo expresses concern that, in some quarters, Nigerian universities and those who teach in them are viewed with skepticism or even contempt—a perception he finds deeply troubling. While refraining from assigning blame, he underscores the need for urgent systemic reform, pointing out that the sector is burdened by “intolerable constraints,” the most critical of which is chronic underfunding. The address serves as both a defense of the academic community and a rallying call for national stakeholders—including the government and the general public—to collaborate in addressing the structural, financial, and reputational challenges facing Nigerian higher education. Adebo balances his critique with admiration for the many dedicated scholars who continue to uphold academic standards under difficult circumstances. His speech emphasizes the importance of restoring the dignity, autonomy, and vitality of the university system in order to maintain its relevance in national development. By highlighting both the struggles and the promise of Nigerian academia, the address reinforces the moral and civic imperative to preserve the university as a sanctuary of knowledge and enlightenment.
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Address By Chief S.O. Adebo, Chancellor of The University Of Lagos At The University's Congregation. (1990 Matriculation and Convocation Speeches
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Citation
Adebo, S.O. (1990). Address By Chief S.O. Adebo, Chancellor of The University Of Lagos At The University's Congregation. (1990 Matriculation and Convocation Speeches), 5-9p.