The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has called on newly recruited lecturers to shift their academic focus beyond publishing research papers and instead prioritise innovation capable of addressing real-world challenges.
Adebowale made the call during the opening session of a two-day capacity-building workshop organised for more than 500 newly appointed academic staff by the university’s Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), under the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
According to the vice-chancellor, the traditional academic mindset of “publish or perish” is gradually giving way to a more practical approach where scholars are expected to innovate or risk stagnation. He stressed that modern universities must ensure that research outcomes extend beyond journal publications to produce patents, startups, and practical solutions to societal problems.
Adebowale urged academics to see themselves as “entrepreneurs of ideas,” explaining that research should translate into tangible innovations that contribute to national development and economic growth.
The vice-chancellor also emphasised the importance of adapting teaching methods to the evolving nature of students, noting that many learners today are digital natives who interact with knowledge differently from previous generations. He therefore encouraged lecturers to move away from the traditional “sage on the stage” teaching style and adopt a more collaborative “guide on the side” approach that fosters interaction and critical thinking.
Highlighting the pillars that sustain a university’s global reputation, Adebowale noted that quality teaching, impactful research, and dedicated service remain essential standards that academic staff must uphold. He added that adherence to quality assurance processes such as course evaluations and accreditation requirements is critical to maintaining institutional excellence.
He further encouraged the lecturers to embrace digital technologies in their teaching practices to improve learning delivery and ensure academic continuity, especially in times of disruption.
Adebowale also stressed the importance of mentorship in academic career development, advising newly recruited staff to build strong professional relationships with senior colleagues who can guide them through promotion and tenure processes.
Given the University of Ibadan’s status as one of Africa’s leading intellectual hubs, the vice-chancellor challenged the lecturers to pursue research that addresses the continent’s development needs while remaining globally relevant. He encouraged them to remain visible in academic circles through seminars, conferences, and scholarly collaborations.
In her remarks, the Director of CETL, Dr. Adedoyin Aguoru, explained that the workshop was designed to equip participants with innovative teaching strategies, best practices, and insights into emerging trends in higher education. The programme also featured keynote presentations from notable scholars, including Professor Godwin R. Murunga of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), as well as other academic experts.
follow us on whatsapp
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAOIUe9mrGeBhrju12b
Download our Mobile App for easy access
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en
Mobile App Lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvng.lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en
Follow us on Youtube
https://youtube.com/@edutvnigeria
Follow us on LinkedIn -
https://ng.linkedin.com/company/edutvnigeria
Follow us on Instagram
https://instagram.com/edutvnigeria
Follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/edutvnigeria/
