The call for autonomy in universities was emphasized by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, during a lecture at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. He stressed the importance of granting full autonomy to universities, highlighting their core mandates of teaching, research, and community service. The Executive Secretary argued that autonomy is crucial for universities to function effectively and carry out their roles independently.
He pointed out that autonomy and academic freedom are essential for ensuring quality education and academic growth. The current policy on university autonomy was critiqued for not providing universities with complete freedom, as government control remains through governing councils. The need for universities to have greater operational freedom to enhance infrastructure and promote collaboration was emphasized.
Granting autonomy to universities would allow for improved infrastructure, stronger networks, and global collaboration to exchange ideas and best practices. This autonomy would lead to enhanced operational efficiency, improved performance, and the development of quality education for national growth. The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, expressed gratitude for the support from TETFUND and reiterated the commitment to enhancing education quality at the institution.