The Vice-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa, has called on academia in the institution to carry out cutting-edge research towards addressing challenges in society.
The VC, who was represented by the Provost, Faculty of Education, Professor Adekunle Adegun, spoke during a one-day second colloquium on Institution-based research organised by the Centre for Research and Development (CERAD) of the university.
At the colloquium, beneficiaries of the research grants by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) presented outcomes of their investigations across major sectors and proffered solutions to problems identified.
Adeoluwa, who commended the beneficiaries for their industry and commitment to the advancement of knowledge, said research remains one of the cardinal principles of any university.
Speaking, the acting director of CERAD, Professor Bankole Faloye, said the event was an avenue to showcase to the world the outcomes of the researches carried out by beneficiaries in the institution.
He commended TETfund for providing funds for the programme is, adding that recommendations from the academic work would be made available to the government and relevant stakeholders for necessary action.
Faloye disclosed that over N60 million was disbursed to 41 beneficiaries by TETfund, promising that the center would continue to encourage and support research towards the betterment of society.
In a communique released at the end of the colloquium, participants, among other things, called on the authorities and stakeholders in the education sector to place more emphasis on entrepreneurial education to reduce unemployment in society.
The communique reads, “Government and the University authorities should invest massively in bee farming and training of apiarists so as to achieve job/wealth creation, self-reliance, affordable health care delivery system through scientific beekeeping, and sustainable economic environment.
“Micro Credit institutions should promote transparency by clearly outlining loan terms and conditions and it should also ensure that borrowers are fully aware of costs and risks involved.
“Law enforcement agencies should take stringent legal actions against perpetrators, including Micro Credit staff and fake Micro Financiers to deter fraudulent activities.
“There should be transitional justice for victims of armed bandits to include institutional reform of criminal trials, truth commissions, reparations, and memorials.
“Government should make necessary policies to enable Microfinance banks to offer medium-term loans to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in order to make the loan repayment possible and affordable.”
… Tribune Online
