President/Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Prof.Ademola Tayo has again expressed concern over the increasing monthly public electricity bill put at between N250 million and N300million, calling on the Federal Government to review downward electricity tarrif being charged by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company for private tertiary institutions in Nigeria
The presidency had early in September, 2024 announced 50 percent subsidy for the monthly electricity bill of the 37 federal universities including seven teaching hospitals affiliated to the some of the institutions, as part of strategic moves to reduce running cost and ensure steady power supply
But the Vice-Chancellor of the Babcock University during the yearly media interaction and dinner with Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) held late Saturday on the institution main campus at Ilishan-Remo, called the government to extend such gesture to private tertiary institutions, saying the sector is also complimenting public tertiarty institutions, by contributing to the training of the needed man power for the sustenance of the nation's economy
He had earlier in July made similar call on the government during the convocation of the university for the 2023/2024 set before the Federal Government announced the 50 percent subsidy for its 37 universities
The Vice Chancellor who was full of appreciation for the media given by members of EWAN in the past nine years of stewardship at Babcock University, called on them to sustain their integrity by upholding the the journalism ethics of fairness and objectivity which has contributed greatly to the growth of education sector in the country
"Your steadfast commitment to reporting on educational matters, your dedication to narrative grounded in facts, fairness, and your fervour for championing excellence in education have fundamentally transformed governmental perspectives and institutional approaches to academic affairs. Your endeavours have not escaped our recognition"
"As the Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, I take great pride in recognising the pivotal role that education writers play in shaping the discourse surrounding education. Your contributions serve to uphold accountability among stakeholders, foster transparency, and ignite positive transformations within our educational framework. We have greatly benefited from the caliber of your journalism and the resolute dedication you have displayed towards our institution", the Vice -Chancellor stated
He recalled the achievements of the university including expansion of its academic programmes with the introduction of cutting edge entrepreneurship training centre in Ekiti, establishment of Babcock Business School in Lagos, opening of Distance Learning amongst others to sustain the tradition of academic excellence
"Here at Babcock University, as you are already aware, we are dedicated to the relentless pursuit of academic excellence. Over the past decade, we have accomplished notable achievements, including the establishment of a cutting-edge entrepreneurship training center in Ekiti, the prestigious Babcock Business School in Lagos, the launch of the Center for Open Distance Learning, the diversification of our academic programmes, the enhancement of our infrastructure, and the expansion of our student body. Moreover, we have strengthened our research capabilities, fostered partnerships with both industry and academia, and intensified our community engagement efforts"
The Vice-Chancellor who will be completing his tenure in 2025 , noted the contributions of media to the success story of Babcock University, pledging the sustenance of the relationship for the continuous growth the institution
"Tonight, we commemorate not only your contributions to educational journalism but also the significant alliance between Babcock University and the Education Writers Association of Nigeria. We eagerly anticipate sustaining our partnership and exploring avenues to advance excellence in educational journalism",
Your insightful reporting has played a pivotal role in fostering an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony, enabling us to evolve into a leading educational institution that is synonymous with quality and innovation.
"As I reflect on my term as Vice Chancellor, I am humbled by the collective achievements we have accomplished. The upcoming year signifies the conclusion of my tenure, and I am appreciative of the privilege to have engaged with you during my service to this esteemed institution. I am optimistic that the university will continue to prosper and expand in the forthcoming years with your single-minded support."
He reminded media practitioners of their critical role in ensuring unity of Nigeria as a country, stressing the need for them for accurate information, transparent and accountability in discharge of such responsibility to the nation
"Let us, therefore, utilise our professional platform to advocate for unity rather than perpetuate division through disparaging or destructive narratives. We are not divided into four separate entities, but rather constitute a singular nation. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard and nurture it for the betterment of all,"
In a society where discord and strife often dominate the headlines, sometimes orchestrated by politicisation of issues, I implore you to seek out narratives that champion unity, compassion, and comprehension. Let us embrace our diversity, while concurrently pursuing commonality.
"As we commemorate your accomplishments, I would like, once again, to emphasise the pivotal role that journalists play in upholding the ethics of the profession. In an era where misinformation and disinformation can proliferate rapidly, it is more crucial than ever that journalists adhere to the utmost standards of accuracy, fairness, transparency, and accountability" he maintained
High point of the event was presentation of special award to members of EWAN by the Vice-Chancellor in recognition of the association's contributions to the growth of Babcock University
A book on "Accounting and Finance : A Biblical Perspective" was also formally presented to the association
Chairman of EWAN, Mojeed Alabi appreciating the award, equally presented a communique of the association of the recently stakeholders forum on education sector to the university
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