Preserving the standard of education, particularly in universities, is crucial to ensure these institutions are robust and well-equipped to fulfill their societal responsibilities.
While the number of universities in a country is not the primary concern, the capability of these institutions to serve as pillars for national development through innovation and discoveries is vital.
The surge in requests for new universities indicates a growing demand for higher education, despite limited available spaces.
Concerns about university proliferation arise from the perceived shortcomings of Nigerian institutions, especially private ones, in terms of inadequate infrastructure, low value for exorbitant fees, and insufficient contributions to national development.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) should establish stringent criteria for university establishment, focusing on maintaining and monitoring standards.
The Acting Executive Secretary of NUC revealed that 270 private universities sought licenses, raising apprehensions about mushroom institutions and inadequate education budget allocations.
If approved, this influx could bring Nigeria's total universities to 528, with 418 privately owned. However, the increase in numbers over the years has not translated to improved education standards.
Universities play a pivotal role in socio-economic, cultural, and political development, imparting academic skills, professional expertise, and knowledge.
The concern is that Nigerian universities are often weak in practical knowledge application, leaving graduates ill-prepared for the contemporary job market.
While new universities may offer more choices for students, upgrading existing ones, especially those owned by the government, is crucial for global competitiveness.
The government must enforce strict criteria, ensuring financial capability for adequate infrastructure and fulfilling financial obligations. The focus should shift from viewing universities as commercial ventures to providing students with employable skills.
NUC should scrutinize new universities' programs, emphasizing problem-solving curricula to make graduates more employable.
Close monitoring is essential, and sanctions should be imposed on institutions failing to meet standards.
NUC must prevent private universities from charging high fees without delivering commensurate value, emphasizing the recruitment of qualified professionals as lecturers.
Rigorous regulatory and monitoring efforts are essential to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of Nigerian universities.