The Vice-Chancellor of Kaduna State University (KASU), Professor Abdullahi Musa, has urged students and lecturers to take advantage of available opportunities within and outside the university to enhance their academic and professional development.
Professor Abdullahi Musa made the call at the fifth International Conference on Development Challenges and Opportunities for Nigeria: The Quest for Sustainable National Transformation, organised by the Faculty of Arts, Kaduna State University.
He dismissed claims that Nigerian universities operate outdated curricula, saying regular conferences, seminars and workshops organised by institutions across the country were aimed at keeping academic programmes in line with global developments.
The Vice-Chancellor said the growing acceptance of Nigerian university graduates by institutions and employers abroad was evidence that the country’s educational system continued to produce graduates capable of competing internationally.
He said Nigerian graduates had successfully pursued further studies and professional examinations in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Malaysia.
Professor Musa also noted that lecturers from Nigerian universities were regularly invited by international institutions and organisations to deliver academic papers, participate in conferences and engage in research collaborations.
He cited his own academic experience in the United States, where he completed his PhD and taught for several years before deciding to return to Nigeria.
According to him, the major challenge facing students is not necessarily the absence of opportunities, but the failure of many to identify and take advantage of those available to them.
Professor Abdullahi Musa said the university spent more than 500 million naira last year to upgrade laboratory facilities, while additional plans were underway to further improve infrastructure across the campus.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university had also upgraded its computer centre, established an artificial intelligence laboratory and expanded internet access to several locations across the campus.
He urged students to actively engage with academic and professional opportunities available within the university and beyond, stressing that personal commitment was essential to achieving success.
Adamu Yusuf
