NUC tasks varsities on research, industry partnerships

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has urged universities across the country to strengthen investments in research, innovation and industry partnerships to equip graduates with practical skills needed to address Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

The commission also called on universities to strengthen their quality assurance mechanisms and ensure strict compliance with national academic standards.

The NUC made the call at the 15th Convocation Ceremony of Veritas University, Abuja, where its Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, was represented by the Deputy Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Ndidiamaka Ojiofor.

Delivering Ribadu’s goodwill message, Ojiofor said the university had recorded sustained progress in teaching, research, innovation and community engagement but stressed the need to consolidate these achievements through stronger institutional structures and strategic partnerships.

She particularly emphasised the importance of university-industry collaboration, noting that closer engagement between academic institutions and the productive sector would expose students to practical experiences and equip them with the competencies required to solve real-life problems.

According to her, university education must go beyond classroom instruction and degree awards to prepare graduates adequately for the demands of the labour market and the wider society.

The NUC representative also reminded the graduating students that their academic qualifications came with responsibilities beyond personal advancement, urging them to deploy their knowledge and skills towards national development.

She charged the graduates to embrace productivity, accountability, ethical conduct and commitment to the public good, while upholding integrity, professionalism and critical thinking in their chosen careers.

Ojiofor further urged them to cultivate a culture of lifelong learning, noting that the rapidly changing global environment required continuous knowledge acquisition and adaptability.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining academic standards across the university system and urged Veritas University to sustain its focus on quality education, impactful research and innovation.