Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University (GOU) Enugu, Professor Christian Anieke, has said that, speaking and writing English Language remains a major challenge to many Nigerian graduates.
Anieke said this when he received officials of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in his office in Enugu.
The NUC officials were in the University to assess programmes of the post-graduate school of the institution.
Anieke said the university had identified the Use of English as the major weakness of many graduates from other institutions.
“It may interest you to know that some first class graduates find it difficult to write or speak correct English,” he said.
The VC noted that the face of every university was its post-graduate school and as such, showed the research strength of the university as some post-graduates reflect the quality of research of the university.
“This is why we introduced a course we called “Communication in English” and their inability to use English correctly could be due to their background.
“So, in our PG school, we ensure that, when you write your thesis, it will be strong enough to be published in a journal and if not publishable, then you have not written a good thesis,” Anieke said.
He further explained that the university was doing a lot of things to ensure that graduates of the institution’s PG school are strong.
“You may not have a lot of students here because a lot of Nigerian students want it easy, but quality is very important to me,” he said.
He made it clear that, NUC’s visit was not witch-hunting but a peer review that makes a university more transparent and effective.
“NUC is championing national integration by sending those in-charge of academics of the universities to institutions outside their regions.
“So, I see this as very important for the growth of our universities,” he said.
Anieke, however, urged the officials to see the assignment as a sacrifice for the development of Nigeria, adding that, the GOU had never done anything without involving NUC.
Responding, Prof. Kabiru Dandago who spoke on behalf of the team, gave the assurance that there would be nothing like witch-hunt during the team’s visit to the university.
Dandago said they would maintain a high-level of objectivity in the discharge of their duties.
