In
recent times we’ve seen a lot of reasons why federal universities are
better than private universities; even though most publications as such
are not always factual but mostly based on sentiment and appeal to the
bigger population (argumentum ad populum), which federal universities
have over their private counterparts. To address this, I decided to
quote facts where relevant to show us how that our highly celebrated
federal universities are living on past glory as compared to their match
(15 year old CU). This should tell you what to expect from the
burgeoning AfeBabalola varsity, Landmark and the likes in few years’
time!
For the purpose of this thread, I mostly compared only University of Ibadan (UI) and Obafemi Awolowo University OAU to Covenant University (CU), as they are the most prestigious and best performing federal universities in Nigeria. For points that comparisons are not made with UI and OAU, no evidence to base such on, please provide if they exist.
Note: If you think I’m wrong in any of the points, kindly provide proof to counter my argument. Criticism of this piece should be based on factual arguments not insults.
1. RESEARCH
In recent times, Covenant University has continued to lead the pack of Nigerian universities in research. This made it leapfrog a number of reputed federal universities in the rankings since 2014, to claim a much debated 2nd place in the then Webometrics ranking. Since then CU has continued to be relevant in research and has in effect severally displaced OAU from its previous positions.
Researchers: Of all the Universities in Nigeria, CU has the highest number of active researchers on google scholar (with well over 400 researchers), significantly surpassing those of UI (141) and OAU (93). Stunning right? Follow links to verify.
Links:
a. CU
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_org&hl=en&org=18224868971208705017&after_author=AgNhAP3___8J&astart=400
b. UI
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_org&hl=en&org=15547011194345455111&after_author=uM6OAP3___8J&astart=140
c. OAU
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_org&hl=en&org=9219141668983597010&after_author=qKpcAPz___8J&astart=90
Research output: Being one of the top 10 consistent universities with the largest research output on the continent, Covenant University has maintained the largest institutional repository of all universities in West Africa since the past 3 years. After a slight slip in January 2017, CU’s intuitional repository continues to maintain top spot among West-African varsities; presently ranking 13th in Africa and 642nd in the world (a position that neither UI nor OAU have ever attained). Picture is attached.
Follow link to verify: http://repositories.webometrics.info/en/Africa
Research relevance: Not only does CU have a high volume of research output but also high visibility and citation of their research. No wonder CU research papers are one of the most read in the country. On Researchgate and Scopus for examples, some of the highest ranking scholars are CU researchers – due to high use of their works around the world (do conduct search on scopus and Researchgate to verify).
In fact, almost every week you check Researchgate, statistics of the previous week will most likely show that CU had the highest read journal in Nigeria; always exceeding UI and OAU’s highest read papers by startling margins. Those that are active on research gate must have noticed this trend, and if you doubt, you can begin to check for yourself now.
Okay, right now, a check on the profiles of OAU, UI and CU on Researchgate will reveal that the highest read publication of these universities across the world last week had 222 (OAU), 568 (UI) and 10,000 (CU) reads respectively (see pics and follow links). Two weeks ago, CU’s highest read publication had over 9000 reads across the globe while those of OAU and UI combined were much less than 1000! There’s little or no chance any of these schools’ research papers will be more sought after than that of CU even this week and any other week!
Links: Check middle left positon [Top publications last week by reads]
a. UI: https://www.researchgate.net/institution/University_of_Ibadan
b. OAU: https://www.researchgate.net/institution/Obafemi_Awolowo_University
c. CU: https://www.researchgate.net/institution/Covenant_University_Ota_Ogun_State_Nigeria
The relevance of CU’s researches is what has led to production of a number of patented products over the years (see more on inventions and innovations).
For the purpose of this thread, I mostly compared only University of Ibadan (UI) and Obafemi Awolowo University OAU to Covenant University (CU), as they are the most prestigious and best performing federal universities in Nigeria. For points that comparisons are not made with UI and OAU, no evidence to base such on, please provide if they exist.
Note: If you think I’m wrong in any of the points, kindly provide proof to counter my argument. Criticism of this piece should be based on factual arguments not insults.
1. RESEARCH
In recent times, Covenant University has continued to lead the pack of Nigerian universities in research. This made it leapfrog a number of reputed federal universities in the rankings since 2014, to claim a much debated 2nd place in the then Webometrics ranking. Since then CU has continued to be relevant in research and has in effect severally displaced OAU from its previous positions.
Researchers: Of all the Universities in Nigeria, CU has the highest number of active researchers on google scholar (with well over 400 researchers), significantly surpassing those of UI (141) and OAU (93). Stunning right? Follow links to verify.
Links:
a. CU
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_org&hl=en&org=18224868971208705017&after_author=AgNhAP3___8J&astart=400
b. UI
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_org&hl=en&org=15547011194345455111&after_author=uM6OAP3___8J&astart=140
c. OAU
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_org&hl=en&org=9219141668983597010&after_author=qKpcAPz___8J&astart=90
Research output: Being one of the top 10 consistent universities with the largest research output on the continent, Covenant University has maintained the largest institutional repository of all universities in West Africa since the past 3 years. After a slight slip in January 2017, CU’s intuitional repository continues to maintain top spot among West-African varsities; presently ranking 13th in Africa and 642nd in the world (a position that neither UI nor OAU have ever attained). Picture is attached.
Follow link to verify: http://repositories.webometrics.info/en/Africa
Research relevance: Not only does CU have a high volume of research output but also high visibility and citation of their research. No wonder CU research papers are one of the most read in the country. On Researchgate and Scopus for examples, some of the highest ranking scholars are CU researchers – due to high use of their works around the world (do conduct search on scopus and Researchgate to verify).
In fact, almost every week you check Researchgate, statistics of the previous week will most likely show that CU had the highest read journal in Nigeria; always exceeding UI and OAU’s highest read papers by startling margins. Those that are active on research gate must have noticed this trend, and if you doubt, you can begin to check for yourself now.
Okay, right now, a check on the profiles of OAU, UI and CU on Researchgate will reveal that the highest read publication of these universities across the world last week had 222 (OAU), 568 (UI) and 10,000 (CU) reads respectively (see pics and follow links). Two weeks ago, CU’s highest read publication had over 9000 reads across the globe while those of OAU and UI combined were much less than 1000! There’s little or no chance any of these schools’ research papers will be more sought after than that of CU even this week and any other week!
Links: Check middle left positon [Top publications last week by reads]
a. UI: https://www.researchgate.net/institution/University_of_Ibadan
b. OAU: https://www.researchgate.net/institution/Obafemi_Awolowo_University
c. CU: https://www.researchgate.net/institution/Covenant_University_Ota_Ogun_State_Nigeria
The relevance of CU’s researches is what has led to production of a number of patented products over the years (see more on inventions and innovations).
More pics on point 1:
-OAU top publication by reads -CU top publication by reads -Top institutional repositories.   
2. INVENTIONS AND PATENTS
over the years, CU has been known for ground breaking research works, some of which has led to inventions and production of patented products. A few are listed: A. Prof. Louis Egwari's (browse more about him) patents... New culture medium et al, follow the link: http://covenantuniversity.edu.ng/News/Covenant-University-Receives-Patent-for-Three-Inventions#.WKB9OG8rK00 B. Renewable charge harvesting architecture for the design of electric bus NG/P/2013/746 by Dr. Francis Idachaba of Department of Electrical and Information Engineering and Covenant University. C. Low power bidirectional transreceiver for GSM base NG/P/2013/614 by Dr. Francis Idachaba of Department of Electrical and Information Engineering and Covenant University D. DOF Techno Universal energy system NG/P/2013/620 by Michael Friday and Covenant University E. DOF-Shadow Sensitive Illuminator Computer Keyboard NG/p/2013/757 by Michael Friday and Covenant University. Follow the link and verify: http://cucrid.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/patents-and-trademarks/ F. Covenant university energy retention bags: http://covenantuniversity.edu.ng/News/CU-Bags-More-Awards-at-the-World-Invention-and-Innovation-Forum#.WKCB8G8rK00, http://m.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/News/CU-Bags-Two-Awards-in-Seoul-South-Korea#.WKCB-W8rK00, http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/07/research-devt-cu-makes-temperature-retention-bags/ G. Covenant University Integrated Dual engine Automoblies: follow the links... http://covenantuniversity.edu.ng/News/CU-Invents-Electric-Automobiles#.WKCEpW8rK00 http://covenantuniversity.edu.ng/Photo-Gallery/Chancellor-Unveils-Covenant-University-s-Integrated-Dual-Engine-Automobiles-CU-IDEA-Hybrid-Vehicles/2#.WKCEgW8rK00 http://covenantuniversity.edu.ng/News/CU-IDEA-Vehicles-Deployed-for-Campus-Shuttle-Services#.WKCEjW8rK00 http://hotnaijanews.com/2014/10/10/covenant-university-invents-dual-engine-cars-photos/ LET ME STOP HERE! Have you heard of Covenant University Centre for Research, Innovation and Discovery (CUCRID), the recently completed a state of the art research hub that has several instrumentation laboratories and workshops. Not many schools will be able to run such over here, given the epileptic nature of power supply. Do you know that National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has opened her office in CU for easy patenting of the products of their research clusters? Do you know that CU currently runs research on telemedicine and its application in cancer remedy; for which C.K. Ayo (former CU VC) was invited to speak in Harvard last year: http://www.nairaland.com/2243880/c.k-ayo-presents-harvard-university. More links: http://.com/amazing-covenant-university-wins-international-invention-award/ http://cucrid.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/research-clusters/
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3. ACADEMIC STANDARD
CU has got very high academic standard as compared to their “federal” counterparts in Nigeria. The following prove this; • Pass Rate: The pass rate at Covenant University is very high. This is what majority of world class universities are known for; making average minds excellent. The pass rates in Ivy League institutions like Harvard, Yale and Cornell are remarkably high, hence their abnormally high matriculation-convocation turnout rate of 80 to 98%! Back home, Covenant University has been sternly criticized over the years for the high pass rate it records every year. Consistently producing an average of 10% first class (higher than those of OAU and UI combined), about 48% 2:1, 34% 2:2 and 08% 3rd class, since the past 3 years. No pass grade! Did you notice something; it’s easier to get 1st class in CU than to make 3rd class. Now compare to OAU which as at its last convocation in December 2016, produced 66 first class out of 4646 graduands (representing 1.4% first class) and UI which around November 2016, produced 117 first class graduates out of 5598 (representing 2%) – "One of the highest they’ve produced in recent times". These are the same schools that are known to admit only excellent students. Did the system make them more excellent or less excellent? Food for thought. Links: a. CU: http://pulse.ng/student/covenant-university-157-students-graduate-with-a-first-class-id5198470.html b. OAU: http://www.thepointng.com/oau-produces-66-first-class-out-of-6827-graduating-students/ c. UI: http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/11/15/117-bags-first-class-at-university-of-ibadan/ The significance of this is that an average CU fresh man will emerge excellent before final year or would have otherwise dropped out on result basis before attaining final year, if not improving to match the standard! • Validity of CU first class: CU graduates have always proven that they merit their grade. This particularly was seen among the first class graduates that represented the institution in "all" the editions of Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme for Innovation and Development (PRESSID). For the records, in all the editions of PRESSID that were organized in 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively, CU first class graduates beat first class graduates of every other institution in Nigeria (including “almighty” UI and OAU) to claim the highest slot by a big margin. Again this was greeted with criticism by their federal school counterparts (who always claim that a 1st class in CU is equivalent 2:1 in UI and OAU). They gave a funny excuse that the only reason why CU claimed such amount of slots was not because they were better but because the school produced many first class graduates. Now the truth is this; 1000 substandard students won’t beat 100 better qualified students to a limited slot of say 10, in any merit based contest. Making that excuse an intellectual nonsense! Link: http://www.nairaland.com/2270393/covenant-universitys-first-class-graduates https://guardian.ng/features/again-covenant-universitys-first-class-graduates-dominate-pressid/ http://thenationonlineng.net/pressid-covenant-varsitys-first-class-graduates-top/ http://thenationonlineng.net/covenant-universitys-first-class-graduates-dominate-scheme/ • CU runs a very strong grading system making it as easy to fail as it is to pass – if one is not serious. In CU for instance (compared to federal unis) an F has far more negative impact, such that an A in a previously taken course won’t have weight. Not just that; scores that will earn you a grade of “E” in UI and OAU will earn you “F” in CU, and this has been since inception till date! Also, the class attendance system screens out those that are not eligible to take exams; “that must not have had up to 70% class attendance in a course”. A course is taken by at least 3 lecturers. Also, the use biometrics makes it “totally impossible” to circumvent these checks, or even take exam for another person. Also, students in CU take much number of courses than their counterparts in Federal and state universities. For most hundred level students for instance, 3 unit courses are almost not existent. Making the average student offer 13 to 14 courses per semester. Follow link: http://pulse.ng/student/the-inec-model-covenant-university-begins-use-of-card-readers-for-exam-accreditation-id3718453.html See attached picture of a Biochemistry student’s course evaluation for 2012/13 session. They now take more courses! Their mates in federal universities don’t take such amount of courses except in a case of carry over! • In CU, if a student that does not make 3rd class after two years of admission; his/her portal automatically closes up. This is highly programmed process that is never by-passed. Hence every student in CU is at least on a 3rd class and can only get better. • [b]Very low and insignificant rate of student malpractice:[/b]Integrity and Spirituality are core values in CU (see more on last point). Hence, the average student believe in the reward of his/her productive engagement. Furthermore, Covenant is one institution that is very strict in her definition of exam malpractice (in varsity wide examination and class tests), and the penalty for defaulters is outright expulsion. Hence, over the years, the average rate of expulsion for exam malpractice has dwindled drastically, now ranging from 3 to 5 every semester, since the past 2 years. The school has a vision to achieve a malpractice free semester and to attain a time when students will take exams with no human invigilation. Follow link: http://covenantuniversity.edu.ng/News/Zero-Tolerance-Has-Reduced-Cases-of-Examination-Misconduct-CU-Examination-Officers#.WKzda28rK00
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4. PACE SETTER
Covenant University is indeed a pace setter in higher education provision in Nigeria and Africa at large. • The first school that started fully practical entrepreneurship courses and made it mandatory for all her students. This has been adopted as a standard by NUC for university accreditation. • The first Private university to have been ranked first in Nigeria (ahead of UI and OAU) in 2014; barely after 12 years of inception • The first Private University to have been ranked among the 15th best in Africa and the youngest to have achieved such feat • The university that abolished the pass grade from inception. This has been adopted as a standard by the NUC. • First African university to Host UN Habitat annual global report on human settlement and also the first African varsity to sign pact with UN • First university to fully adopt biometric/card readers for class attendance and exam verification • First university to launch mobile learning in Nigeria • Covenant University Library (CLR) was the first to Adopt the UNESCO Open Access standard As a new university, the number of the number of lecturers and students actively engaged in research, researches carried out and volume of research output of Covenant University over the past 2 to 3 years has no match in Nigeria. Not even UI, how much more OAU (The google scholar stats stated earlier prove this – see research for more). See the Attached pics. Follow links to verify: -http://pulse.ng/student/webometrics-ranking-oyedepos-covenant-university-named-best-in-nigeria-15th-in-africa-beats-unilorin-oau-others-id3487325.html -https://www.timeshighereducation.com/features/africas-teaching-shops-the-rise-of-private-universities -http://www.nairaland.com/2155114/nigerian-universities-divided-over-cancellation -http://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/nuc-abolishes-pass-degree-says-vc/ -http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/10/un-global-report-on-human-settlements-launched-at-covenant-varsity/ -http://covenantuniversity.edu.ng/News/Covenant-University-Kortext-partner-on-first-digital-learning-solution-in-Nigeria#.WKzusG8rK00 -http://thenationonlineng.net/covenant-university-launches-mobile-learning-device/ -http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/portals-and-platforms/goap/access-by-region/africa/nigeria/ What has UI and OAU been doing all the while until CU came and achieved these feats?
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