Cred 360 Media honours Bells Varsity VC, sparks debate on future of Nigerian varsities

An Ibadan-based media, public relations, and advertising firm, Cred 360 Media Limited, has honoured the Vice-Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Ota, Prof. Abel Olajide Olorunnisola, for his contributions to university administration, scholarship and the development of higher education.

The recognition also provided a platform for a wider conversation on the future of Nigerian universities, with Prof. Olorunnisola calling for greater investment in university education, digital infrastructure and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

Olorunnisola, who recently assumed office as Vice-Chancellor of Bells University, previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Dominion University, Ibadan.

The award is in recognition of his examplary leadership and distinguished service at the Dominion University, Ibadan.

He also held several positions at the University of Ibadan, including Dean of the Postgraduate School and Head of the Department of Wood Products Engineering. Bells University officially announced his appointment in July 2026.

Speaking during an interview following the award, the professor noted that the changing nature of learning, particularly the emergence of artificial intelligence, required Nigerian universities to rethink traditional approaches to teaching.

He said students of today had access to tools such as ChatGPT, YouTube and other digital platforms, making it necessary for lecturers to adopt more interactive and technology-driven methods of teaching.

According to him, lecturers could no longer operate as though they were the sole repositories of knowledge because students could easily verify information online.

“We have to develop ways of meeting today’s students halfway,” he said, stressing the need to make classrooms more interactive while ensuring that students continued to develop the discipline required for effective learning.

Olorunnisola said he had adopted interactive teaching methods in his own classes, distinguishing between merely delivering lectures and creating an environment where students actively participate in the learning process.

He argued that universities should encourage students to leverage technology responsibly rather than attempt to shut out emerging technologies.

The VC also identified inadequate funding as one of the major challenges confronting Nigerian universities, arguing that the government must recognise higher education as a strategic instrument for national development.

He said Nigerian universities had continued to produce professionals capable of competing globally despite the challenges confronting the sector.

According to him, Nigerian doctors, engineers, software developers and other professionals were making significant contributions around the world, demonstrating the quality of talent being produced by the country’s universities.

He, however, said inadequate government attention to the strategic development of universities remained a major obstacle to achieving greater global competitiveness.

The professor also called for stronger investment in digital infrastructure, noting that inadequate digital systems had exposed the vulnerability of the country’s universities during disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged industrial actions.

He said universities needed robust digital systems that would enable teaching and learning to continue during periods when students could not physically access campuses.

On students in private universities, Olorunnisola said the rising cost of living had become a greater burden for many families than tuition fees alone.

He explained that parents had to contend with food, accommodation and other living expenses, making it difficult for many families to sustain their children’s education.

He disclosed that, while serving as Vice-Chancellor of Dominion University, the institution introduced flexible payment arrangements and scholarship to reduce the financial pressure on families.

Olorunnisola also spoke on his transition from Wood Products Engineering to university leadership, describing the career path as divinely orchestrated.

He recalled that he initially intended to pursue a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering but eventually opted for Wood Products Engineering after failing to secure admission into the former programme.

He said he eventually discovered his passion in the discipline and went on to build a career spanning teaching, research and university administration.

The professor said the Cred 360 Media award was particularly meaningful because it was unsolicited and represented recognition of his contributions to education and society.

“I appreciate the fact that people recognise the contribution I have been able to make,” he said.

Olorunnisola also outlined his vision for Bells University of Technology, saying his administration would focus on institutional differentiation, human capital development, infrastructure, reputation and global competitiveness.

He said the university had moved beyond the survival stage associated with younger institutions and must now determine what would distinguish it from other universities.

“Reputation is number one. If the reputation of a university is bad, students will not want to come, staff will not want to work there and parents will not want to send their children there,” he said.

He stressed that universities must maintain high standards of integrity while providing infrastructure and academic programmes capable of distinguishing them nationally and internationally.