VC identifies Aid, donor driven agendas, research grants as tools for theft of talents

The Vice Chancellor of University of Mkar, Prof. Zacharys Anger Gundu, has identified Aid and donor driven agendas, research grants, technology dependence and manipulation, as tools for theft of talents, intellect and cultural materials.

Prof. Gundu, made the declaration Thursday November 20 at the conference hall of James Hope University, Lekki-Lagos, while speaking on the subject; The Nigerian University; Search for Meaning and Relevance’.

The University Don, who stated that technological breakthrough, is related to Food Security, Health and Defense, posited that there is no clear line between the Research University and the Comprehensive University, even as he asserted: “Brain drain diminishing teaching, research and publishing.”

The Vice Chancellor of James Hope University, Lagos, Prof. Austin N. Nosike, in his address, during the First Public Lecture Series of the institution, explained: “When we envisioned this lecture series, our goal was simple yet profound: to create a space where ideas can breathe.”

Prof. Austin N. Nosike

Prof. Nosike, noted that the theme of the lecture series, is to confront uncomfortable truths about the state of the university system in Nigeria, about the disconnection between learning and livelihood, about universities’ struggles with funding, governance, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Below is highlights of Prof. Nosike’s address:

“For us as a young but ambitious institution, today is more than an event; it is a statement of intent, a declaration that we are here to be part of the national conversation on higher education, development, and the future of Nigeria.

“When we envisioned this lecture series, our goal was simple yet profound: to create a space where ideas can breathe. A space where scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, and students can ask the difficult questions, challenge assumptions, and imagine bold possibilities. Today, we take that first step, hopefully the first of many.

“Our theme, “The Nigerian University: The Search for Meaning and Relevance,” is both timely and deeply reflective. If we are being honest and I hope we can be a little honest and a little informal today, it is a theme that forces all of us to look inward. It invites us to confront uncomfortable truths about the state of the university system in Nigeria, about the disconnection between learning and livelihood, about our struggles with funding, governance, innovation, and global competitiveness.

“This public lecture also invites us to imagine better. To ask what a Nigerian university could be if we dared to rethink, to innovate, to collaborate, and to rebuild the trust that society must have in its intellectual institutions.

“Here at James Hope University, we see ourselves as part of that conversation not as bystanders, not as critics from afar, but as active contributors. We are still young, yes, but we are grounded in a philosophy that insists that excellence is not accidental.

“It is the product of deliberate choices, consistent discipline, and a culture that values curiosity just as much as it values results. And speaking of curiosity let me take a moment to appreciate our students, who are present here today.

“You are at the heart of this entire enterprise. If universities lose sight of their purpose for students, then we lose meaning altogether. So, as we search for relevance, we must remember that relevance is measured not only by our publications or rankings, but by the quality of human beings we nurture thoughtful young people equipped with skills, values, imagination, and resilience.

“I must also appreciate our faculty and administrative staff. You are the ones who breathe life into our classrooms, laboratories, and offices. Your daily work often unseen is what keeps this institution moving forward.

“Our hope is that conversations like todays will energize and inspire us to push boundaries and embrace new ways of thinking. To our distinguished speaker for today’s lecture, Prof. Zacharys Anger Gundu, the Vice Chancellor of University of Mkar, we are truly honoured to have you. Your experience is wide, deep and current having obtained your PhD from Federal University, as a tenured Professor at another Federal University, served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of a State and currently a Vice Chancellor of a leading private University in Nigeria.

“We look forward with anticipation to your insights, your provocations, and your vision. I suspect that when we leave this room, we will not be the same. And that is precisely what a good public lecture should do, it should unsettle, enlighten, and reorient us. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to emphasize that this lecture series is not meant to be a one off intellectual ceremony.

“It is intended to become a defining tradition of James Hope University, a gathering where ideas lead, not egos; where knowledge is valued, not merely performed; and where we collectively imagine a university system that serves Nigeria with integrity, creativity, and impact.

“We are grateful that you have chosen to be part of this beginning. Thank you for lending us your time, your presence, and your intellectual companionship.

“On that note, with great delight and a sense of purpose, I welcome you once again to the inaugural James Hope University Public Lecture Series.”

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