Nigerian Universities Are Sleeping on Their Own Research, Says Trinity VC
Nigerian universities are quietly producing world-class research, but nobody knows about it because the institutions themselves are not reporting it. That is the bold claim from Professor Clement Olusegun Kolawole, Vice Chancellor of Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, who says the country's poor global ranking is largely self-inflicted.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, the seasoned academic, who spent 30 years at the University of Ibadan before moving to the private sector, said Nigerian universities are failing to tell their own story to the world. And in a system where perception is everything, that silence is costing the nation dearly.
Why Are Nigerian Universities Under-Reporting Their Research?
According to Professor Kolawole, the problem is simple: there is no incentive.
“The problem we have is that we under report ourselves because nothing is attached to the ranking, so most universities don't take it seriously,” he said.
He explained that in his former institution, groundbreaking research happens daily but never leaves the lab.
“There is so much that is happening in terms of research every day that is not translated to industry because there is no connection between what goes on in the university and the industry. That is a problem because government has not deliberately promoted that. We leave our findings to rust on the table,” he lamented.
Public vs Private: A Tale of Two Systems
Professor Kolawole, who has now led Trinity University since 2023, says the contrast between public and private universities is stark. In the private sector, every kobo is accounted for, and the proprietors demand results.
“There is so much room for wastage in public universities, but in a private university, every kobo is earned and accounted for,” he said.
He also noted that private universities are forced to be creative in generating funds, something the Minister of Education recently called out public institutions for lacking.
“I have become a business man myself because my orientation has changed,” he said with a laugh.
What Makes Trinity University Special?
For Professor Kolawole, Trinity University is not just an institution; it is a home away from home. From the gate, the university takes full responsibility for the total well-being of its students. That means stable academic calendars, timely results, and a focus on character as much as learning.
“We produce a complete person in character and in learning, not by talking about it, but actually living it,” he said. The university also offers flexible fee payments in four instalments, making quality education more accessible to Nigerian families.
No Mercenaries Here: Quality Over Shortcuts
When asked about the recent clampdown on universities using 'mercenaries' to secure accreditation, Professor Kolawole was emphatic: Trinity does not play that game.
“We don't work with mercenaries. We believe in peer review system, which is the hallmark of the university system,” he said.
He revealed that for every accreditation, the university brings in external professors from multiple institutions to assess their staff and programmes.
“We don't pretend to be what we are not so that if there are areas we need to improve on, they can advise us and we will do the needful,” he added.
Expansion Plans: From Yaba to Ogun State
Trinity University is not resting on its laurels. With a 500-acre future campus in Laloko, Ogun State, and a new six-story building for its Nursing School in Yaba, the university is gearing up for growth. They are also awaiting NUC approval to run Public Health, Environmental Health, and Community Health programmes.
Advice for Aspiring University Owners: Bring Deep Pockets
Professor Kolawole had a clear warning for anyone thinking of starting a university: it is not for the faint-hearted.
“It is very expensive to run a university. Just two weeks ago, we had a cylinder in one of our laboratories and the knob got broken, it is to be replaced at a cost of N2 million,” he said.
He also revealed that moving one laboratory could cost N400 million, and that his proprietors are yet to break even.
“To make profit from a university, you may have to wait for between 10-15 years,” he said.
What About TETFund and NELFund?
While praising the contributions of TETFund and NELFund to Nigerian education, Professor Kolawole made a passionate appeal for private universities to benefit from these interventions.
“The funds they are using to execute their programmes belong to us all. It is our commonwealth. The fact that we are private institutions does not take away our inalienable rights as Nigerians,” he said.
How Can Nigerian Universities Improve Their Global Ranking?
Professor Kolawole believes the solution is simple: report what you are doing. He is already implementing this at Trinity with a new Research and Development Unit and a consultant professor to help identify local relevance.
“If you are not relevant locally, you cannot be relevant globally. Don't jump to publishing in high rank journals when you are not known in your locality,” he advised.
He also urged colleagues to tidy up their CVs and make themselves known to the world.
“Let it be in the global space,” he said.
FAQ: Nigerian University Rankings and Research
Why are Nigerian universities ranked poorly globally?
According to Professor Kolawole, Nigerian universities under-report their research efforts because there is no direct incentive tied to ranking. This leads to a lack of visibility on the global stage.
What is the difference between public and private universities in Nigeria?
Private universities like Trinity are more accountable, with proprietors demanding regular feedback on deliverables. Public universities have more room for wastage and are less creative in generating funds, according to the VC.
How can Nigerian universities improve their rankings?
By reporting their research findings, connecting with industry, and ensuring local relevance before seeking global recognition, Nigerian universities can boost their international standing.
Should private universities benefit from TETFund?
Professor Kolawole argues yes, stating that the funds belong to all Nigerians, and private institutions should receive a percentage to improve their contributions to education.