By Emmanuel Kwada
In a striking address at the 14th Convocation lecture of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) on Friday, Professor Attahiru Jega, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at Usumanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, raised alarm over the declining standards in Nigerian universities.
He asserted that many institutions are conferring degrees on individuals lacking both literacy and commendable character.
Speaking as the chairman of the event in Abuja, Jega emphasized the traditional university motto of being “found worthy in learning and character,” warning that the two qualities may no longer be inherently linked in the current educational landscape.
“Every time we mention found worthy in learning and character, people tend to wonder whether learning and character necessarily go together. Well, they do not,” he stated. “One can be learned but have no good character, and conversely, one can be certificated without learning anything yet possess good character.”
Every time we mention found worthy in learning and character, people tend to wonder whether learning and character necessarily go together
His remarks underscored a troubling trend in Nigerian higher education, where he argued that universities are increasingly awarding degrees to individuals who do not meet the basic standards of literacy and ethical behavior.
“The expectation is that university graduates embody both learning and character. This ideal has been approximated in Nigerian universities in the past but has now become a mere aspiration,” Jega lamented.
One can be learned but have no good character, and conversely, one can be certificated without learning anything yet possess good character
The convocation lecture aimed to inspire and motivate students, faculty, and staff while addressing significant societal issues affecting the academic community. Jega also recognized the guest lecturer, notable Nigerian figure Adesina, for his contributions to the nation and the African continent at large.
As discussions around educational integrity and character continue to unfold, Professor Jega’s remarks serve as a critical call to action for stakeholders in Nigeria’s higher education system, highlighting the urgent need for reform to restore the value and credibility of university degrees.
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