Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, has urged the management of universities to make the shift from theoretical teachings to real-world impact.
Kalu spoke at the 37th convocation and 50th anniversary ceremony of the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
He said varsities serve as catalysts for progress in the country but have often “failed on their core mandate of innovation and problem-solving”.
He argued that there is a disconnect between academia and society due to a lack of intellect to meet needs.
The lawmaker said universities have a critical role to play in driving national progress and contributing to global knowledge.
The deputy speaker described Nigerian universities as “the backbone of our communities and nation”.
“Our universities were established as engines of progress. Today, however, we face problems highlighting a disconnect between academia and everyday life,” he said.
“These problems arise not from a lack of intellect but from misalignment with society’s needs, as teaching and learning have long been measured solely by academic metrics — the length of dissertations, the complexity of theories, and the splendour of research — rather than their real-world impact.
“The challenge before us is clear: our universities must move beyond theory to practical impact, bringing the ‘gown’ into the ‘town’— and now, into cyberspace — where knowledge is applied and ideas ignite change.
“Our research must offer tangible solutions, while graduates must be equipped to address real issues, from policy refinement to sustainable transportation. If the town does not feel the impact of our gown, our education is incomplete.
“Our universities are more than centres of learning; they are the backbone of our communities and nation. Their value lies not in certificates but in real-world impact.
“Institutions must go beyond academic debates, producing research that shapes policies proactively rather than reacting to crises.
“They should serve as policy hubs, not just locally but globally, proving that when education meets innovation, solutions follow.”
The lawmaker added that the blue economy sector remains largely untapped, adding that it can yield $576 billion annually and create 127 million jobs by 2063 for Africa.
Kalu is an alumnus of UNICAL. He graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of law degree.
