The call was made on Thursday during the university's 15th Registry Annual Lecture, where academics and administrators examined the future of higher education in Nigeria amid growing concerns over standards, funding and institutional capacity.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled, "Quality or Quantity: Rethinking Higher Education Administration in the 21st Century," Professor of English Literature and Literary Analysis at the University of Lagos, Hope Eghagha, said universities should prioritise producing graduates with the skills, competence and character required to compete globally.
According to him, the success of higher education institutions should no longer be measured by the number of degrees awarded but by the quality of graduates they produce.
“Balancing the scale between educational expansion and academic excellence is the defining challenge of our time. In 21st-century Nigeria, the true measure of our universities’ success must shift entirely from merely producing large numbers of graduates to cultivating highly skilled, globally competitive professionals.
“We cannot allow our institutions to become mere degree mills; instead, we must fiercely protect and elevate our educational standards, ensuring that every certificate awarded represents genuine expertise, innovation, and character.
“By prioritising strategic funding, rigorous accreditation, and robust capacity building over unchecked enrollment, Nigerian higher education can transcend its current growing pains and establish a legacy of uncompromised excellence.”
Eghagha maintained that strengthening academic standards, investing in institutional capacity and ensuring strict quality assurance mechanisms would help reposition Nigerian universities for greater relevance on the global stage.
Also speaking at the event, the Registrar of FUTA, Mr Charles Adeleye, appealed to alumni, corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals to support the university's efforts to strengthen its administrative system.
He noted that sustaining efficient university administration requires continuous investment and collaboration from stakeholders.
“The effort involved in keeping the administrative machinery running efficiently and ensuring the continuity of this event has been huge. Against this backdrop, we respectfully appeal for the kind support of public-spirited individuals, friends of the University and well-meaning corporate organisations to further strengthen the registry.
“Such assistance will enable us to remain dynamic, innovative and responsive to the ever-evolving demands of university administration. We are confident that your partnership in this regard will significantly enhance our capacity for effective service delivery.”
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to maintaining high academic standards and advancing its vision of becoming a globally recognised university of technology.
She said the university would continue to promote excellence in teaching, research and community service while encouraging discussions on critical issues affecting higher education in Nigeria.
According to Oladiji, initiatives such as the annual registry lecture provide a platform for examining policies and practices that can strengthen the country's university system and improve the overall quality of tertiary education.