Bells University VC Raises Alarm Over Poor Funding, Lecturers’ Welfare

Bells University VC, Prof. Abel Olorunnisola, has called for increased funding, better infrastructure and improved staff welfare to make Nigerian universities globally competitive.

Olorunnisola made the call while receiving the Cred 360 Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from Cred 360 Media Limited, an Ibadan-based media and public relations firm. He was honoured for his contributions to university administration, scholarship and education, particularly during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Dominion University, Ibadan.

The professor, who assumed office as Bells University VC on August 1, 2026, said Nigerian universities had continued to produce professionals capable of competing globally despite challenges facing the higher education sector.

However, he identified inadequate funding as a major obstacle to university development, urging government and other stakeholders to invest more in infrastructure, research, human capital and digital learning.

According to him, universities need modern facilities, competitive remuneration and conducive working environments to attract and retain quality academics. He cited Nigerian doctors, engineers, software developers and other professionals succeeding globally as evidence of the potential of the country’s universities.

Olorunnisola also stressed the need for stronger digital infrastructure, noting that technologies such as artificial intelligence, online videos and digital platforms have changed how students access knowledge.

He urged lecturers to adopt more interactive teaching methods and use technology responsibly, while warning that universities could no longer operate on the assumption that lecturers were the sole sources of knowledge.

The VC further raised concerns about the welfare of academics, saying stagnant salaries had reduced lecturers’ purchasing power amid rising living costs. He said improving staff welfare was essential for quality teaching, research and international engagement.

He also noted the financial pressure on students and parents, particularly those in private universities, where expenses extend beyond tuition to feeding, accommodation and other daily needs.

On his agenda for Bells University, Olorunnisola said his administration would focus on strengthening the institution’s reputation, developing human capital, improving infrastructure and identifying areas that would distinguish the university from its competitors.

He added that every university must determine what it wants to be known for and build its programmes, infrastructure and human resources around that vision.