The renewed conversion of state institutions into federal universities and establishment of new ones by the federal government has received knocks from some stakeholders.
The number of federal universities in the country is put at over 63.
While the move aims to address the growing demand for higher education and expand access, critics warned that it could come at the expense of quality education.
The stakeholders emphasised that without addressing the underlying issues contributing to the decline in the quality of education, the creation of new federal universities could result in further deterioration of academic standards across the country.
They worry that the focus may shift too much toward expanding access at the expense of ensuring that universities maintain the necessary resources for quality teaching, research and facilities.
They also argued that the government must focus on improving the quality of existing institutions, both federal and state, by providing adequate funding, improving infrastructure and ensuring that university staff are well-trained and adequately supported.
An academic research consultant at the University of Abuja, Humphrey Ukeaja, identified the opportunities and challenges posed by the recent conversions.
He pointed out that poor funding in Nigeria’s education system remains a critical issue. “If you are converting, for instance, the Universities of Education to federal universities, it still begs the question, are you going to improve or enhance the funding for these new universities? Because it’s a wholesome challenge. So, is the government going to have the political will to finance the educational sector?
“Converting and including numerical structures without financing them will render them more dependent or not give you the real output, which will still counteract the enrollment rate,” he said.
Prof Ukeaja however acknowledged that establishing federal universities in underserved regions, like Kachia, helps promote equitable access to education, reducing the urban-rural divide in educational opportunities. “So, if you have a federal university in a setting, you’d agree with me that it brings development,” he said.
He recommended that the federal government intentionally increase funding for the education sector and broaden private-public partnerships to improve university infrastructure, enhance lecturer capacity and facilitate international student exchanges for capacity building.
“Finally, we need to also focus on quality assurance. There’s a need to strengthen the regulatory framework to ensure that both new and existing universities meet minimal standards for teaching, research and infrastructure,” he added.
Nigerian students also commended the move but raised concerns about the issue.
The national public relations officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, expressed appreciation for the federal government’s efforts in addressing educational issues in Nigeria, particularly the conversion of state institutions to federal ones.
He however lamented that one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector is inadequate funding.
Ajasa said, “Truly, there are challenges facing the educational sector in Nigeria and one of the major problems is funding, educational funding. We don’t have to shy away from the truth.”
He pointed out that many state institutions rely on debt funds for infrastructure, and there is a need for greater transparency and proper implementation of budgets to ensure that these funds are effectively utilised.
“If more state institutions are moved to federal schools, it could help alleviate funding issues as federal institutions receive better support and funding,” he stated.
He further noted that state universities often struggle with low subventions, which often lead to higher school fees and poor management while moving institutions to federal status would relieve the state government(s) of financial burdens and allow more focus on local infrastructure development.
“We have to see it as a positive move. The only thing we just have to ensure is the fact that adequate funding has been taking place,” he said.
On his part, a concerned Nigerian, Mr Tochukwu Osuagwu, urged the government to invest more in existing universities to upgrade them into symbols of development and progress.
“Why not focus on improving existing universities holistically? Nigeria will thrive if we deal with each other honestly.
“Our universities are in terrible shapes. Nigerians deserve better. Universities should be well-equipped citadels of development and progress,” he said.
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