In 1999, my younger brother secured admission to the University of Benin to study law. Given his youthful exuberance and occasional inclination toward the rascally, I offered him what seemed like unconventional advice – I sarcastically told him to neglect his books and join as many secret organisations as he desired. My real message, however, was simple: if he got into trouble, I would not be there to bail him out. At the time, I was a young graduate who had just secured my first job, navigating the financial constraints that come with such a stage in life. Sponsoring his education required considerable sacrifice on my part, and I expected that he would, at the very least, show some level of seriousness. Back then, I was living in Lagos, while he was in Benin, and the distance only heightened my concerns.
Nigeria, at that time, still retained a degree of structure and sanity in how it conducted its affairs. There were mechanisms in place to ensure that parents remained informed about their children’s academic progress. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised when, at the end of his first semester, I received his academic results in the post. The same process continued for every subsequent semester. He was shocked when I mentioned his results to him, wondering how I had gained access to them. He was unaware that the university had a policy of sending results directly to the addresses provided during admission, usually those of parents or guardians. This system, though seemingly ordinary, had a profound effect – it made him strive to do well, knowing that his academic performance was not hidden. There was no room for deception, no opportunity to mislead parents into thinking all was well when, in reality, it was not. That small measure of accountability, built into the university’s administration, helped keep students on their toes.
Looking back, I cannot help but wonder if such a system still exists today. The decline of the Nigerian postal service has rendered traditional means of communication almost obsolete. Letters that once arrived promptly now take months, if they arrive at all. Meanwhile, the rapid advancement of digital technology has changed the way information is transmitted. However, while technology has made things easier, it has also created loopholes. Many students today enjoy unchecked freedom, choosing to withhold their results from their parents, sometimes until it is too late. A student who is struggling academically can easily hide this from their family, only for them to discover the truth at graduation – when there is little left to be done.
It was against this backdrop that I recently came across a development at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, that immediately caught my attention. While following the university’s convocation ceremony, I learned about an initiative introduced by the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu. He announced that, henceforth, the university would be sending digital links to parents and guardians, granting them direct access to their wards’ academic results. This seemingly simple but profoundly impactful policy speaks volumes about the leadership and foresight of Prof. Ikechebelu. It reveals him as a man who is not only driven by innovation but also deeply attuned to the challenges within the educational system. He is someone who takes the time to study the problems of his environment and proactively seeks solutions to them.
In an era where many students operate in secrecy, hiding their academic struggles from their families, this initiative restores a crucial measure of accountability. It reinforces the idea that parents should not be kept in the dark about the progress – or lack thereof – of their children. The policy ensures that students are more mindful of their performance, knowing that there is no way to conceal the truth from those who invest in their success. Beyond individual students and their families, this initiative could have broader implications for the university system as a whole. Nigerian higher institutions have, over time, struggled with declining academic performance, student disengagement, and, in some cases, outright academic fraud. By implementing a system where parents have real-time access to their children’s results, universities can indirectly create a culture of responsibility. Students will be less likely to slack off if they know their parents are keeping track. Moreover, it provides parents with an opportunity to intervene early, offering support, guidance, or even disciplinary measures before matters get out of hand.
It is also worth noting that, in the long run, this policy could help combat issues like cultism and exam malpractice. Many students who become involved in cult activities or fraudulent academic practices do so because they have fallen behind in their studies and feel pressured to catch up by any means necessary. If parents are aware of their children’s struggles early on, they can take preventive steps rather than reacting only when things have spiralled out of control. Prof. Ikechebelu’s leadership at Nnamdi Azikiwe University is proving that genuine reform does not always have to come in the form of grand gestures. Sometimes, the most effective changes are the ones that address everyday issues in a practical and sustainable manner. If other universities in Nigeria were to adopt similar measures, we might see a significant shift in student behaviour, parental involvement, and overall academic performance.
The role of a university extends beyond just teaching – it is also about shaping the character and future of its students. In recognising this, Prof. Ikechebelu has taken a bold step in reinforcing the connection between students, their families, and their academic responsibilities. If properly implemented and maintained, this initiative has the potential to serve as a model for other institutions. In a country where education often takes a backseat to other concerns, innovations like this remind us that small, thoughtful interventions can have lasting impacts. With the right leadership, academic institutions can reclaim their role as centres of excellence, accountability, and genuine learning. Prof. Ikechebelu’s initiative at Nnamdi Azikiwe University is a step in the right direction, and it is one that deserves to be recognised, supported, and replicated across the nation.
Source: https://thesun.ng/ikechebelus-transparency-at-unizik/?amp