By Usman Aliyu

Director of News and Current Affairs at TVC, Mr Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, has called on Nigerian universities to deepen their engagement with host communities.

Kolade-Otitoju said such collaboration was vital to national development and societal harmony.

He made the call while delivering the maiden Registry Lecture of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), titled “University-Community Engagement: Perspectives from the Nigerian Society and Media.”

Kolade-Otitoju underscored the need for higher institutions to shed the traditional “ivory tower” mindset and become proactive agents of social, economic, and technological change within their environments.

“Universities are no longer ivory towers. They are major agents of social, economic, and technological innovation,” he said.

“Host communities increasingly see universities as their own and are demanding a say in decision-making, especially in areas like employment, student admissions, and leadership appointments.”

He cited numerous instances of both conflict and cooperation between universities and communities across Nigeria, noting that genuine engagement fostered mutual benefit.

According to him, community demands for the appointment of indigenes as vice chancellors and their inclusion in university governance highlight a shift in expectations and ownership.

“We must think beyond the campus. Let universities be the solution hubs they were meant to be,” he said.

He advocated for visible institutional roles in skill development, knowledge transfer, and agricultural outreach.

Speaking at the event, UNIBEN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, praised Kolade-Otitoju for delivering a thought-provoking lecture.

Omoregie was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Christopher Osubor.

“He has done justice to the theme by contextualising university-community relations and highlighting the crucial role of the media,” he said.

Earlier, UNIBEN Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, described the lecture as a milestone in the university’s push for academic and administrative innovation.

“This series serves as a platform for engagement among stakeholders. This year’s topic aligns with our vice chancellor’s vision for staff development and deeper community involvement,” Bobola noted.

The event also featured the unveiling of a book entitled “Symphony of Thoughts on Administrative Practices,” reviewed by Prof. Kehinde Eniola, Vice Chancellor of Kogi State University.

The compilation includes essays from both academic and non-academic staff of UNIBEN. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa