An investigation by The PUNCH has revealed that no less than 32 bills have been presented before the Senate and the House of Representatives in Nigeria for the creation of new universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other experts have raised concerns, cautioning the government against establishing new institutions without adequately funding existing ones. Nigeria currently has a total of 52 federal universities, 63 state universities, and 147 private universities, as per data from the National Universities Commission. Additionally, there are 40 federal polytechnics, 49 state-owned polytechnics, and 76 private polytechnics, according to the National Board for Technical Education. The country also has a significant number of colleges of health and colleges of education.
Analysis of the bills shows that the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Deputy Speaker are among those leading the charge for the establishment of new educational institutions. The proposed institutions include the Federal University of Technology in Kaduna, the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Bende, Abia State, the Federal University of Information and Communications Technology in Lagos Island, and the Federal University of Agriculture in Ute Okpa, Delta State, among others.
ASUU representatives and education experts have criticized the move, considering it a misplacement of priorities. They argue that the government should focus on adequately funding existing institutions rather than creating new ones while the current ones struggle.
The Chairman of ASUU at the Federal University of Minna, Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, expressed concern about the lawmakers’ priorities, emphasizing the need to concentrate on projects that positively impact the lives of constituents.
Similarly, the Programme Director of Reform Education Nigeria, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, questioned the rationale behind proposing bills for new institutions when existing ones are facing challenges and shutdowns. Oluwatoyin criticized the move, suggesting that lawmakers may be using education matters for political gains.
This development raises broader discussions about the allocation of resources and priorities in Nigeria’s education sector, highlighting the need for a strategic and well-thought-out approach to address the challenges faced by existing institutions before considering the establishment of new ones.