Nigeria failing to Harness Abundant Intellectual Capital, Says Prof Adebayo
BASSEY BASSEY
Professor Abiodun Adebayo, a former Vice Chancellor of the Covenant University says Nigeria is failing to harness its intellectual capital.
Professor Abiodun, a biochemist and an alumnus of the University Of Calabar disclosed this during the Unical at 50 Colloquium.
The colloquium which took place at the university's international conference centre was themed: The University Of Calabar and it's contributions to National Development.
Prof. Abiodun who served as the lead presenter said, "There are great minds in this country and we are not engaging them productively.
"A lot of us are winning international grants and we are working for them at the expense of our own country.
"The government needs to believe in our local content, you cannot go global until you believe in our local content and ingenuity.
"You see what China and India are doing today, they believe more in their researchers and what they produce rather than what they get outside", he said.
He said the University of Calabar has contributed significantly to the knowledge base of the country over the years.
Also speaking, one of the panel discussants, Bassey Ekpo Bassey Jnr said the institution instilled strong values into its students.
He said its department of Theatre Arts for instance has produced notable artists over the years and the fact that they have no scandal is attached to their names boils down to the values instilled in them decades ago.
Chairman of the Unical Alumni Paul Eshiemomoh said the institution has contributed significantly to the legal profession and now competes in every ramification with Nigeria's first generation universities.
On her part Professor Florence Obi, the Vice Chancellor of the institution said the colloquium is a testament to the institution's dedication to fostering intellectual discourse, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
She assured that the university remains committed to providing a transformative educational experience that prepares our students to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
