Legislators Propose 32 New Educational Institutions

An investigative report uncovered that the 10th National Assembly has witnessed the introduction of 32 bills aimed at establishing fresh universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This move, however, raised concerns from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and experts, warning against neglecting existing institutions due to inadequate funding.

Nigeria presently houses 52 federal universities, 63 state universities, and 147 private universities as per official data from the National Universities Commission. Additionally, figures from the National Board for Technical Education reveal 40 federal, 49 state-owned, and 76 private polytechnics, along with 70 federal and state-owned colleges of health, alongside 17 private colleges of health. The National Commission for Colleges of Education lists 219 colleges of education across the country.

The bills presented for consideration showcased the Speaker of the House of Representatives leading the initiative, proposing establishments like the Federal University of Technology in Kaduna and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Abia State, championed by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

Further bills seek to establish educational institutions such as the Federal University of Information and Communications Technology in Lagos Island, Federal University of Agriculture in Delta State, among others, covering a wide spectrum of academic fields.

Critics like Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, Chairman of ASUU at the Federal University of Minna, criticized the lawmakers, deeming the move a misplaced priority. He emphasized the need for focusing on enhancing existing struggling institutions instead of creating additional challenges for the nation.

Echoing similar sentiments, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, Programme Director of Reform Education Nigeria, criticized the legislators for potentially playing politics with education matters, highlighting the contradiction in proposing new institutions while existing ones face closures and setbacks.