The Nigerian government opposes the National Assembly’s proposals for establishing 200 new universities, citing concerns over system capacity and the need to strengthen existing institutions. Minister Tunji Alausa advocates for enhancing infrastructure and resources for quality education instead of increasing the number of universities.
The Nigerian government has voiced its disapproval regarding the National Assembly’s proposals for establishing nearly 200 new universities across the country. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, raised concerns about the overwhelming number of bills concerning new university establishments during a press briefing in Abuja. He highlighted that nearly 200 bills are currently pending, exacerbating pressures on an already strained educational system.
In January, Minister Alausa announced a one-year moratorium on the establishment of new private universities to improve the quality and sustainability of existing institutions. He asserted that reinforcing the capacities of current universities is paramount, rather than creating new ones. Alausa articulated the need to ensure these institutions possess the necessary financial and academic resources before gaining licenses.
The Minister further stated, “We can’t continue like this. Even though we have a lot of them, the capacity for a university to admit is not there.” He emphasized the importance of reallocating efforts towards enhancing infrastructure, such as engineering workshops and laboratories, as well as recruiting internationally qualified educators to foster high-quality education in Nigeria.
He acknowledged the legislators’ intentions to manifest their work through these proposals but underscored the existing educational resources available. Alausa called for a focus on mobilizing resources to develop quality educational infrastructure instead of expanding the number of universities, which may dilute educational standards.
In summary, the Nigerian government, through Minister Tunji Alausa, has expressed significant concerns regarding the proposal to create nearly 200 new universities. By emphasizing the importance of strengthening existing universities rather than establishing new ones, the government aims to ensure educational quality and sustainability. The focus is now on enhancing infrastructure and resources to improve the educational landscape in Nigeria.
Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com
