NUC announces two new universities for Nigerian higher education

Addressing the Admissions Gap

With nearly two million candidates vying for university admission annually, the stark reality is that only between 500,000 and 700,000 students secure placements due to the limited quota. This discrepancy has not only heightened the competition but also underscored the urgent need for a strategic expansion in the university sector to accommodate more aspiring students.

A Deliberate Policy for Massification

Maiyaki emphasised that the move towards establishing additional universities is a deliberate policy to undertake the ‘massification’ of higher education in the country. “We have no choice but to as a matter of deliberate policy undertake the massification of universities,” Maiyaki stated, highlighting the critical role education plays in differentiating developed countries from the rest. The acting Executive Secretary’s remarks come amidst concerns from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other stakeholders about the proliferation of universities without commensurate funding for existing institutions.

Global Perspective and Quality Education

The NUC’s approach also includes repositioning the Nigerian university system through transnational education, allowing foreign universities to operate within the country. This strategy aims to not only increase the number of available seats but also enhance the quality of education offered. Maiyaki pointed out that countries with populations smaller than Nigeria’s boast over 1,000 universities, underscoring the need for Nigeria to expand its educational infrastructure.

Distance Learning and Fee Regulation

In addition to university expansion, the NUC is processing applications for the establishment of distance learning centres, ensuring they provide quality education without heralding a return to the unchecked era of distance learning centres. Furthermore, the NUC has addressed concerns regarding the dollarisation of tuition fees, affirming that no Nigerian university is permitted to charge fees in dollars, except to foreign students. This clarification came after investigations into allegations against a private university, which were found to be unsubstantiated.

Conclusion

The announcement of two new universities by the NUC marks a significant step towards addressing the admissions gap in Nigeria, offering hope to millions of aspiring students and their families. While this expansion addresses the immediate need for more academic spaces, it also sets the stage for a broader discourse on the quality and funding of higher education in Nigeria. As the country continues to strive towards educational excellence and accessibility, the initiatives by the NUC reflect a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and robust university system that can meet the demands and aspirations of its burgeoning youth population.

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