NUC Tasks Universities on Quality Assurance, Employability as Trinity Graduates 323

By Cynthia Okere, Lagos

The National Universities Commission NUC has urged Nigerian universities to make quality assurance, character development and graduate employability central to their academic programmes.

The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, made the call at the fifth convocation ceremony of Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos.

Ribadu, who was represented by a Deputy Director in the Office of the Executive Secretary, Dr Ayoteju Ogun, said the value of a university should not be judged solely by the certificates it awards, but by the quality of graduates it produces and their contributions to society.

“The true worth of a university is measured by the quality of minds it develops, the character it nurtures, the knowledge it advances and the solutions its graduates contribute to society,” he said.

The ceremony, themed, “Convoking a Galaxy of Stars: Shining the Trinity Light to the World,” featured the award of degrees and prizes to 323 graduates from three faculties. Seventy-nine of the graduands earned First-Class honours.

Ribadu described the theme as a call to responsibility, noting that the light of a university shines more brightly when its graduates distinguish themselves through knowledge, integrity, innovation and service to humanity.

He said the NUC remained committed to strengthening the quality, relevance and global competitiveness of the Nigerian university system through minimum academic standards, programme accreditation and continuous quality improvement.

According to him, quality assurance must go beyond compliance with regulatory requirements and become an enduring institutional culture reflected in effective teaching, credible assessment and curricula that respond to the country’s needs.

He also called for deeper collaboration among universities, industries and other stakeholders to improve graduate employability, promote entrepreneurship and translate academic research into practical solutions.

“As technology evolves, institutions must equip graduates with the knowledge, adaptability, critical-thinking skills and ethical judgement required to navigate change and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

Ribadu assured universities that the commission would continue working with institutions and relevant stakeholders to advance these priorities across the Nigerian university system.

Addressing the graduates, the NUC Executive Secretary told the students that earning a degree was an important achievement, but its ultimate value would depend on how they used the opportunities it provided.

He advised them to apply their education to solving problems, creating opportunities, and improving lives.

“The world will demand more than certificates. It will demand competence, creativity, integrity and resilience. Remain curious, continue learning, embrace change and prepare yourselves for emerging opportunities,” he said.

He also urged them to develop the capacity to create opportunities for themselves and others, while allowing their conduct to reflect the character formation they received at Trinity University.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Professor Clement Kolawole, reiterated the institution’s commitment to producing graduates considered worthy in character and learning.

Kolawole said the university regards sound character and good morals as essential requirements for the award of its certificates.

He disclosed that the institution had withheld a student from graduation over character-related concerns, stressing that academic performance alone should not be sufficient to earn a university degree.

“A student who is not worthy in character should not be awarded a certificate by any university. Universities should have policies clearly stating that students found deficient in character will not be issued certificates. This will go a long way towards addressing corruption and misconduct in the country. At Trinity University, we take character seriously because we are committed to producing graduates who will be our pride anywhere in the world.” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Nigerian government for reforms and interventions in the education sector through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

He, however, called for some of the benefits to be extended to eligible students and institutions in the private university system.

“Students in private universities and other private tertiary institutions should be given equal opportunities to benefit from innovative financial support such as that enjoyed by students in public institutions under NELFUND,” Kolawole said.

Graduates and their parents also expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to the university for supporting them throughout their academic journey.