1.
GV Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi arriving at Ibadan University, greeted by executive members of the conference (2 shots)
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2.
GV Brigadier Rotimi with State Governor and executive members walking to conference hall
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3.
CU Conference sign
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4.
SV INTERIOR: Delegates applaud as Brigadier Rotimi stands to speak (2 shots)
0.34

5.
SCU Brigadier Rotimi makes speech on behalf of General Gowon
1.38


SOUND STARTS: "Our expectations from...."



(SCENES OF DELEGATES LISTENING)



SOUND ENDS: "...will come again. Thank you."



FOLLOWED BY APPLAUSE.



Brigadier Rotimi, speaking for General Gowon, says:



"Our expectations from universities and from university education are necessarily higher than the expectations demanded from your colleagues in the more developed countries. Not only because the task of development and construction in our countries is so much more ponderous -- and therefore the universities, like other agencies for development, have a greater share to contribute -- but also because in our comparatively poor countries, our investment in higher education is comparatively large. Finally, I wish to apologies for the fact that it has not been possible for me to personally declare your conference open. I wish to assure you that this is not because I do not attach great importance to it. I wish you all successful deliberations and our visitors, a very happy stay in Nigeria. We hope you will come again. Thank you."



The third General Conference of African Universities was opened on Thursday at Ibadan University by the Military Governor of Nigeria's Western State, Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi. Representatives from thirty-five African universities and institutions of higher education are attending the four-day conference. Brigadier Rotimi represented the Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and read the General's speech.



In the speech universities and colleges were urged to help in the building of a just and prosperous society for all Africans.




Initials BB/1522 RS/AW/BB/1535



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: African University authorities were urged to help in the building of a just and prosperous society for all Africans when the third General Conference of African Universities opened at Ibadan University in Western Nigeria on Thursday (April 12).

The call came in speech written by the Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, which was delivered at the conference by the Military Governor of Western State, Brigadier Olumole Rotimi. General Gowon's speech advised representatives from 35 African universities and institutions of higher learning that it was their duty to use the funds provided for education for the social and economic advancement of the African continent. They should aim not just at academic excellence but, he said, it was much more important to produce good citizens.

The four day conference, to discuss education throughout the continent, was preceded sightseeing tours to places of historical importance in the Western State. The conference was chaired by Mr. Thibangu Tshishilu, Rector of the National University of Zaire.