We strongly urge the FGN to reconsider the proposal to sell all federal government Universities.
By – Abayomi Odunowo
The Nigerian government’s proposal to sell off all federal universities in the country is a short-sighted solution that would not only fail to benefit the educational system but also have detrimental effects on both the government and the people of Nigeria.
Currently, federal universities in Nigeria offer almost tuition-free higher education to over 90% of the 2.1 million university students in the country. This has been a crucial component in providing access to education for many Nigerians who would otherwise not be able to afford it. Privatizing these universities would lead to a dramatic increase in tuition fees, making higher education unattainable for a large portion of the population. This would not only limit educational opportunities for many students but also exacerbate existing inequalities in the country.
Furthermore, the government has been chronically underfunding public universities for decades, leading to poor infrastructure, overcrowding, and low-quality education. Selling off these universities would only serve to worsen these issues, as private owners would likely prioritize profit over investing in improving the quality of education and infrastructure. This could ultimately lead to a decline in the overall standard of education in the country, further limiting the opportunities available to Nigerian students.
Additionally, shifting the burden of funding higher education to students and their families would place a significant financial strain on many households in Nigeria. With a large proportion of the population already struggling to make ends meet, the additional cost of tuition fees could prevent many students from pursuing higher education altogether. This would not only have negative consequences for the individuals involved but also for the country as a whole, as a lack of access to education could stifle economic growth and development.
Moreover, the government has a constitutional obligation to provide almost free and compulsory education up to the secondary level, as well as affordable higher education. By selling off federal universities, the government would be failing to uphold its constitutional duty to its citizens, further eroding public trust and confidence in the government.
Selling off federal universities in Nigeria would not benefit the educational system or the government. Instead, it would only serve to limit access to education, worsen existing issues in the education sector, and place a financial burden on students and their families. The government must reconsider its approach and instead focus on investing in and improving public universities to ensure that all Nigerians have access to quality education.
However, on the hand privatization of higher education has faced challenges, particularly in terms of quality assurance and affordability. The proliferation of substandard private universities has raised concerns about the quality of education being offered. Without proper regulation and monitoring by the National Universities Commission, some private universities may not meet the required standards for academic excellence.
Furthermore, the privatization process has made university education less affordable for many Nigerians. Private universities charge much higher tuition fees compared to public universities, making it difficult for students from lower-income backgrounds to access quality education. This has created a barrier for those who are unable to afford the high costs associated with private universities.
While privatization has brought about positive changes in higher education in Nigeria, such as increased access and flexibility, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. Proper regulation and monitoring of private universities are essential to ensure quality education, while efforts should be made to make university education more affordable for all students. By addressing these issues, the privatization of higher education can better serve the needs of Nigerian students and contribute to the overall development of the country.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
Mobile: 2349053535322.
