While the federal government on Wednesday announced a ban on the setting up of new federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, academic staff unions in the university system have advised the FG on what to do.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and the Congress of University Academics, CONUA, while not condemning the step, called on the FG to act rationally.
Evaluate existing ones – ASUU
Reacting to the development, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, called on the FG to evaluate existing public tertiary institutions, especially universities set up recently.
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The Chairman of the Lagos Zone of the union, Prof. Nassir Adesola, noted that an evaluation of how those on ground are functioning is necessary.
“I would say that is what we have been agitating for all these years, you don’t need to set up universities you can adequately fund and cater to. It is advisable that the FG evaluates existing ones, especially those set up recently whether they are living up to expectations and meeting the required standards,” he said
Expand the scope of existing ones – CONUA
The National President of the Congress of University Academics, CONUA, Dr Niyi Sunmonu, noted that why young Nigerians deserve to acquire higher education, the government should be rational in its decisions.
“Let them expand the scope of existing ones if new ones are not being set up. We must ensure that our universities are of global standards and are producing competent and globally competitive graduates. The government must also use the seven-year period to assess the situation in our universities, ” he said.
The Federal Executive Council, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, in Abuja, announced a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, explained that access to tertiary education in Nigeria is no longer a major issue.
He, however, stated that the duplication of federal institutions has spread resources too thinly, resulting in some universities operating far below capacity.
Giving an instance, he said “one northern university has 1,200 staff catering to fewer than 800 students. Currently, Nigeria has 72 federal universities, 42 federal polytechnics, and 28 federal colleges of education, many of which suffer from poor enrollment: 199 universities had fewer than 100 applicants through JAMB last year, with 34 recording zero applications.
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“Likewise, many polytechnics and colleges of education reported similarly low interest, with 64 colleges of education having no applicants at all.
“The moratorium will allow the government to refocus resources on improving existing institutions by upgrading facilities, recruiting qualified staff, and expanding their carrying capacity.”
