Toyin Falola
Professor Emeritus in the Humanities
Lead City University, Ibadan
As the saying goes in Yoruba, “Ibere ki se onise, a fi eni ti o ba fi ori ti titi de opin.” This means “starters are not the ones worthy of applause, but the ones who endure till the end are worthy of real praise.” In this context, I would like to add that only those who endure and persevere till the end towards a laudable cause are worthy of applause and celebration. On this note, it is important to mention that the true measure of a university’s greatness is not just in what it has accomplished but in the vision it sets for the future. As a keen observer is what is happening on the ground, I want to offer my ideas.
As Lead City University marks its 20th anniversary, the university stands at the threshold of a new era. It stands at a point where the demands for innovation, strategic growth, and a commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and problem-solvers hold more precedence than before. Even though the past two decades have laid a solid foundation, with achievements across academic excellence, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and community impact, it is important to double down at this junction and prepare for the future as it holds even greater possibilities.
The achievement today has no doubt cemented the name of the institution in the minds of a wider community. However, to remain at the forefront of higher education, Lead City must embrace a reinforced direction that no doubt cuts across cutting-edge research, technological transformation, global partnerships, and industry-driven learning models that prepare students for the evolving world. As we jointly celebrate two decades of quality delivery today, we should not be clouded by the frenzy of today’s celebration and forget to make plans for the coming days. After all, it was not raining when Noah built the Ark. For Lead City, the next twenty years must not only consolidate past successes but also chart a bold course toward becoming a globally recognized institution that drives progress and creates lasting impact.
Having established that Lead City University stands at a pivotal moment in its journey, the question now is: what comes next? The past and present have built a strong foundation, but true greatness lies in the ability to anticipate and shape the future. As such, the next twenty years must be defined by bold moves that transform Lead City globally. Achieving this requires a strategic focus on academic innovation, leadership and skills development, digital transformation, deeper community engagement, and global competitiveness.
In today’s world, a future-ready university is expected to go beyond conventional education in preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. Knowledge, for a while now, has evolved. It is no longer static. Industries are shifting, and the demands of the workforce are changing at an unprecedented pace. As a core player in preparing the young ones for the future, Lead City must anticipate this future by expanding its academic programs into emerging fields that meet these demands: fields of study such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, sustainable energy, and fintech.
To achieve this cannot be far-fetched for a university with an impressive first two decades. All the university needs to do is to model after proven practices. The university can take cues from institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University, who have consistently stayed ahead by aligning their research and curriculum with the future of industries. These approaches by these institutions have redefined the academic community and have helped transform students from just consumers of knowledge to creators of new solutions.
Beyond expanding its academic offerings, the university should also investigate positioning itself as the heart of research and innovation in Nigeria. Away from theoretical abstracts, there is no doubt that the universities that shape the future are those that help solve real-world problems. Through investment in well-funded research institutes that tackle critical national and continental issues, the university can place itself on the same level with African universities like the University of Cape Town and Ashesi University in Ghana that have become centers of excellence by prioritizing research that addresses African challenges, from public health crises to climate change. Whether it is developing solutions for Nigeria’s power crisis, pioneering agricultural innovations, or advancing digital finance, the university can solidify its place as a thought leader by focusing on research with tangible impact.
At the same time, Lead City must deepen its commitment to leadership and skills development, ensuring that students leave not just with degrees but with the confidence and competence to shape the world. When students undergo well-grounded leadership training while on campus, this will result in the birth of industry leaders and visionaries across the nation. In reinforcing its leadership training, the university can partner with or redefine models used by The African Leadership University (ALU) in Rwanda, a pioneer in an education model that prioritizes leadership training and real-world problem-solving. With this approach, the university can contribute to training, ensuring graduates are equipped with emotional intelligence, decision-making skills, and the ability to navigate complex challenges.
Entrepreneurship is another area where the university must double down. The University of Waterloo in Canada is credited with one of the most successful student entrepreneurship programs in the world, producing tech startups and business innovations that drive global change. It has achieved this by integrating business incubation, mentorship, and venture capital access into its academic structure. At the moment, Lead City already encourages entrepreneurship. However, it is not news that the future demands a more structured approach, where students have access to startup funding, dedicated mentorship, and incubation spaces that allow their ideas to flourish. Establishing strategic partnerships with investors, tech hubs, and business leaders will create an ecosystem where innovation can thrive.
The future of education is also deeply intertwined with digital transformation. In the coming years, universities that do not fully embrace technology will struggle to remain relevant. It is high time the university began to explore the possibilities of smart campuses that are technologically enabled for effective academic deliveries. Lead City, as an institution dedicated to the future, must envision a similar future where technology not only enhances learning experiences but streamlines administrative roles while ensuring efficiency across all operations. AI-powered personalized learning, virtual reality classrooms, and blockchain-secured academic records, as established in the National University of Singapore are no longer futuristic concepts. They are realities that progressive universities are adopting.
In addition to this, the University and its parent body should begin to embrace the possibilities of providing quality and sound tertiary education without the constraint of geographical factors. The world has evolved greatly, and constraints caused by geographical limitations should no longer define the reach of a university. For example, Harvard and MIT’s edX initiative is a model the university can look into. Since its inception in 2012, the initiative has allowed them to provide education to millions of students worldwide. To achieve this involves a dedicated attempt to build a strong digital education infrastructure that allows online courses and hybrid learning models that attract students from across Africa and beyond. Expanding its digital footprint will not only increase accessibility but also establish the university as a major player in global education.
A great university does not exist in isolation; it must play an active role in shaping its society. Hence, the need for the university to reinforce its commitment to its community and the nation by infusing community-driven engagement into its core academic work. The university must ensure that its research and outreach initiatives address pressing societal issues such as education for underprivileged communities, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability while ensuring that it maintains its position as not just an academic institution but a force for societal transformation.
Another critical area of future growth is civic engagement. Some of the most influential universities in the world, such as Yale and Georgetown, have produced leaders who shape policy and governance. Lead City has the potential to do the same by nurturing a culture of civic leadership. Establishing governance and public policy programs, encouraging students to engage in civic initiatives, and fostering debates on national issues will position the university as a breeding ground for future leaders in politics, public service, and advocacy.
Ultimately, true greatness is not about what has been achieved but about what is yet to come. Lead City’s next twenty years must be defined by a bold, strategic vision that cements its status as a leading force in education, innovation, and societal change. This future will not happen by chance. It requires deliberate action from all stakeholders. Students must be encouraged to think big, faculty must be empowered to conduct groundbreaking research, industry partnerships must be strengthened, and international collaborations must be expanded.
The celebration of Lead City at 20 is not just a milestone; it is a launching pad for the next phase of its journey. The university must become a top-tier institution in Africa and beyond, shaping not just the careers of its students but the future of education itself.
Congratulations!