CVCNU 37th Annual General Assembly Conference Focuses on Building Resilient Universities for Nigeria
The Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, CVCNU, held its 37th Annual Conference and General Assembly from 17 to 20 August 2026 at the University of Ilorin, bringing together Vice Chancellors, policymakers, academics, regulators and other stakeholders across Nigeria's higher education sector.
Held under the theme Building Resilient Universities for Nigeria, the conference provided a platform for stakeholders to examine key issues shaping the future of Nigerian universities, with discussions covering university governance, institutional autonomy, sustainable funding, artificial intelligence, stakeholder engagement, mental health, research, innovation, human capital development and university industry government collaboration.
The conference was hosted by the Chief Host, Professor Lawrence I. Ezemonye, OFR, Chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, alongside the CVCNU Secretary General, Professor Andrew Haruna, FNAL, FLAN, and the Co Host, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.
The keynote address was delivered by Emeritus Professor Is haq O. Oloyede, CON, NPOM, FNAL, who challenged stakeholders to consider resilience beyond the ability of universities to withstand disruption. His address emphasised the need for institutions to continually adapt, innovate and renew themselves in response to changing realities within the higher education landscape.
The conference featured a series of plenary discussions addressing major challenges and opportunities facing Nigerian universities. Emeritus Professor M. A. Akanji examined approaches to diversifying university funding beyond government subventions, while Dr David Olom Nkpe, Senior Financial Crime Investigator at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, addressed the balance between institutional autonomy and accountability. Emeritus Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, examined the importance of strengthening university governance and leadership capacity, while Professor Comfort Ekpo, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, highlighted the importance of meaningful engagement with university stakeholders.
Technology and innovation also featured prominently through discussions on the AI ready Nigerian university. Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, Professor Adesola Aderounmu and Professor Francisca Oladipo contributed to conversations on the role of technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and strategic partnerships in strengthening universities and preparing institutions for the future of learning.
Other sessions focused on the people and systems that drive institutional resilience. Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, former Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, examined human capital and academic excellence, with emphasis on strategic leadership, faculty development and the role of university communities in long term institutional success. Professor Chris Piwuna, National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, brought attention to staff and student wellbeing, mental health, research capacity and the human dimension of building stronger institutions. Discussions also explored the need to strengthen collaboration between universities, industry and government to translate research and innovation into practical solutions, enterprise, jobs and national development.
The conference brought together representatives of government, regulatory agencies, university leadership and other key stakeholders in higher education, including the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, National Youth Service Corps and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. The gathering also acknowledged the presence and contributions of the CVCNU Board of Trustees, CVCNU Executive Board, CVCNU Management Team, the leadership of the host institution, the University of Ilorin, and members of the CVCNU Local Organising Committee, whose collective efforts contributed to the successful delivery of the conference.
As discussions around resilience continue, the conference reinforced a central message for Nigeria's university sector: building stronger institutions requires sustained investment in leadership, people, innovation, research, partnerships and effective governance. The 37th CVCNU Annual Conference and General Assembly provided an important platform for stakeholders to reflect on the present state of Nigerian higher education while considering the institutions needed to meet the demands of the future.