Bridging the Gap: Universities Must Drive Change
By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempress News,
22nd,March,2025
Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, calls for universities to step up and shape the nation’s future through innovation and real-world impact.
Nigeria’s universities must go beyond theory and actively contribute to solving societal challenges, says Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Speaking at the 37th Convocation and 50th Anniversary of the University of Calabar, Kalu emphasized that higher institutions should not remain academic bubbles but engines of progress that directly impact communities.
“Our universities must not only teach but innovate, solve real problems, and drive national development,” Kalu stated. He noted that while universities were established to foster growth and progress, many have fallen short in delivering tangible results.
Education Must Meet Reality
Kalu highlighted the gap between academic knowledge and real-world needs, urging universities to shift from abstract research to practical solutions. “If universities do not serve their own communities, their achievements remain trapped in ivory towers,” he warned.
He called for a curriculum upgrade that integrates modern technology and industry needs. “Agriculture students should master drone mapping for pest control, medical schools must adopt AI-powered telemedicine, and law faculties should explore blockchain for land registry reforms,” he suggested.
Nigeria’s Blue Economy: A Goldmine for Growth
Kalu also stressed the huge potential of Nigeria’s blue economy, an untapped sector that could generate $576 billion yearly and create 127 million jobs across Africa by 2063. He urged universities to lead research and expertise development in this sector.
Universities Must Lead, Not Follow
“The question is simple: will our universities shape the future or merely react to it?” Kalu asked. He urged institutions to go beyond academic debates and drive policy-making, innovation, and sustainable solutions.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, senators, House of Representatives members, and the university’s chancellor, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.
As Nigeria looks toward the future, Kalu’s message is clear: Universities must lead the charge in transforming the nation through education, research, and innovation.
