The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Highstone Global University (HGU), Texas, USA, Professor Theophilus Aku Ugah, has called on the Federal Government to restructure Nigeria’s education system to align with the country’s development priorities.
Prof. Ugah made the appeal in Lagos during his formal introduction as the new Vice Chancellor of the online university, which is designed to serve the academic interests of Africans, particularly Nigerians.
Highlighting the need for a homegrown approach to education, Prof. Ugah noted that nations which align their educational systems with local needs have made remarkable progress globally.
“It is disheartening to see many Nigerian students base their research on foreign issues, rather than addressing the pressing challenges within Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Prof. Ugah emphasized that under his leadership, Highstone Global University will promote transparency, ethical conduct, and strong values across all aspects of its operations.
“As part of our core leadership values, we prioritize transparency, integrity, and ethical behavior in everything we do,” he stated.
He also disclosed plans to establish a 30-year development strategy—pending the approval of the Governing Council—to track the university’s performance at five-year intervals: 5, 10, 15, and up to 30 years. According to him, this long-term vision would position HGU among the top 100 universities globally.
Speaking at the event, Professor Biodun Akinpelu, a Professor of Educational Technology at Lagos State University (LASU), praised Ugah’s appointment as a major achievement for African academia.
“This is a proud moment for Africa. We are celebrating a distinguished scholar whose leadership will bring new value to global education while representing the African perspective,” Akinpelu said.
He noted that LASU played a role in Prof. Ugah’s academic journey and expressed confidence in his capacity to transform academic leadership.
Akinpelu also commended HGU for embracing online education, describing it as a practical solution to Nigeria’s growing educational demands.
“I’ve followed the university’s programs for over six years, and I’ve always said that traditional universities alone cannot meet our needs. With the population rising daily, institutions like Highstone—offering quality online education—are essential for the future,” he added.
