Students under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, have called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and relevant authorities to establish more tertiary institutions in Abuja.
The students said the current number of universities, polytechnics, and technical schools is insufficient to meet the growing demand for higher education in the capital.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Comr.Wele TjankGod Chimenem, chairman of NANS JCC FCT, emphasised that the FCT, Nigeria’s capital and a symbol of national unity, must lead by example in providing inclusive and accessible educational opportunities for all.
He stated the pressing need for additional universities, polytechnics, schools of agriculture, and technical institutions to meet the rising population of youths yearning for higher education.
“We cannot ignore the realities on the ground. Our existing schools are overstretched and overwhelmed. Due to limited capacity, thousands of qualified candidates are denied admission annually. It’s time to act,” he said.
The students’ association also commended the Federal Government’s recent approval of the Federal Polytechnic, Gwarinpa, and the University of Science and Technology, Abaji, describing the move as a step in the right direction. However, they insist it is insufficient to meet the growing educational needs of the FCT’s teeming youth population.
“I commend the Federal Government for approving the Federal Polytechnic at Gwarinpa and the University of Science and Technology in Abaji. These are welcome developments, but more must be done to create real impact and opportunities for the next generation.”
According to NANS, education remains the most effective national development tool. Beyond just gaining degrees, tertiary education in today’s world must equip young Nigerians with practical skills and the knowledge base needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.
With Nigeria battling alarming youth unemployment rates and a growing number of out-of-school children, the students believe expanding access to tertiary education can be a turning point.
“The absence of adequate tertiary institutions in Abuja has contributed to the congestion in the few existing ones and limited access for thousands of aspiring students. More institutions would create more seats, programmes, and hope for our youths.”
He stressed that the FCT must not lag in national efforts to reform and modernise the education sector. Instead, it should lead the way as the nation’s capital, setting a high standard for inclusive development, especially in education.
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