The constant and debilitating strikes by ASUU have fueled an undeniable trend in Nigeria’s higher education landscape: the proliferation of private universities. Driven by a desperate need for a stable academic calendar and a better learning environment, parents and students have increasingly turned to these institutions as a viable alternative. While some private universities have successfully filled this void by providing quality education and modern facilities, a significant number have emerged as little more than businesses, with a primary focus on profit over academic excellence.
The lack of proper oversight and a clear focus on the quantity rather than the quality of new institutions has led to a situation where many private universities are “churning out half-baked graduates.” These institutions, often plagued by substandard infrastructure, inadequate resources, and a reliance on poorly paid or unmotivated lecturers (some of whom are part-time staff from public universities), fail to provide a robust learning experience. The degrees they confer, while formally recognized, may not hold the same weight or value as those from well-established public universities, ultimately harming the students they claim to serve.
A Pragmatic Pause: The Ban on New Universities
In light of this crisis, the recent government decision to impose a moratorium on the creation of new federal universities for seven years is a welcome and necessary step. This move acknowledges that the problem in Nigeria’s tertiary education is not a lack of institutions but a profound deficit in quality and capacity. By halting the expansion, the government can redirect focus and resources to rehabilitating the existing public universities.
This rehabilitation must be a holistic process. It’s not just about fixing dilapidated buildings, but also about providing state-of-the-art laboratories, updating curricula, and equipping libraries with modern resources. More importantly, it requires a fundamental overhaul of the welfare of lecturers. For years, ASUU’s demands have been consistent: better salaries, improved working conditions, and the provision of research grants.
The government must address these issues head-on to prevent the annual cycle of strikes. A well-motivated, well-compensated, and well-equipped teaching staff is the bedrock of a quality education system. Investing in them is not a cost, but an investment in the nation’s future. By prioritizing the existing institutions and their staff, the government can work towards restoring the credibility of public universities, which remain the most accessible and affordable option for the majority of Nigerian students.
