Ensuring quality over quantity education in the face of varsities proliferation 

The federal government is currently confronted with the daunting task of evaluating applications for the establishment of 270 new private universities.

As Nigeria strives to meet the growing demand for higher education, it is crucial to acknowledge the significance of this endeavor in shaping the future of the country.

While the proliferation of universities may seem like a positive step towards expanding access to education, it is imperative to prioritise the maintenance of high educational standards to ensure that these institutions are equipped to meet the needs of society.

In this regard, it is essential to consider the far-reaching implications of this expansion and take proactive measures to safeguard the quality of education provided by these institutions.

When universities excel in this regard, a nation develops rapidly. While the number of universities in a country may not be the sole determinant of progress, the capacity of these institutions to serve as a solid foundation for rapid national development through innovation, discovery, and other achievements is crucial.

The increasing requests for the approval of additional universities indicate a growing demand for higher education in Nigeria, despite the limited available spaces.

However, concerns regarding the proliferation of universities stem from the belief that these institutions, particularly private ones, are falling short of government and public expectations.

Inadequate infrastructure, poor value for exorbitant fees, and a lack of significant contributions to national development are among the key issues raised. To address these concerns, the National Universities Commission (NUC) must establish stringent criteria for the establishment of universities in the country.

These criteria should ensure that standards are not compromised and that services are delivered effectively. Moreover, the NUC must actively monitor these institutions to prevent any compromise of quality.

It is crucial that we prioritise the quality of education in our country, especially as we witness a surge in the demand for higher learning. By setting high standards and closely monitoring the performance of universities, we can ensure that these institutions contribute meaningfully to national development and provide students with the education they deserve.In conclusion, the approval of new private universities should not be taken lightly.

We must prioritise the preservation of educational standards and the delivery of quality services. By doing so, we can guarantee that these institutions serve as catalysts for progress and contribute significantly to the development of our nation.

Despite concerns over the proliferation of mushroom universities and inadequate budgetary allocations to the education sector, a staggering 270 private universities have applied for licences to commence academic activities in Nigeria.

This would bring the total number of universities in the country to 528, with 418 being privately owned. However, the increase in the number of universities over the years has not translated into an improvement in education standards.

Universities are meant to be drivers of socio-economic, cultural and political development, and global innovation. They are supposed to impart academic skills, professional expertise and knowledge to generations of students through teaching, researching, and disseminating existing and new knowledge.

However, Nigerian universities have remained weak in the practical application of knowledge and are unable to respond to the demands of the complex contemporary job market, leading to millions of jobless graduates.

While an increase in competition among the institutions should lead to higher standards, the opposite seems to be happening as the institutions increase in number.

The focus of Nigerian universities needs to shift from just training scholars and leaders to practical application of knowledge to meet the demands of the job market.

Otherwise, the addition of more universities will only exacerbate the existing problem of poor education standards and joblessness among graduates.

The establishment of new universities may provide more options for students and help manage enrolment, but it is crucial to upgrade existing universities, particularly those owned by federal and state governments, to serve society effectively. The ability of universities to compete globally in innovation and problem-solving is more important than their number.

The government must establish strict criteria for establishing universities, including financial capability to provide necessary infrastructure and meet financial obligations.

A survey by the NUC revealed that only 30 percent of students have adequate access to facilities like lecture theatres, laboratories, and libraries. ASUU has also expressed concern about overcrowding and deterioration of facilities.Many believe that private universities are established for commercial purposes, charging fees that are unaffordable for poor students.

The focus should be on providing students with knowledge and skills that will make them self-employed and benefit the country.

Education is a vital component for a country’s progress and global competitiveness. Universities, in particular, serve as hubs where intellectuals and scholars utilise their ingenuity to devise solutions to societal problems, going beyond the mere training of scholars and leaders.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) should assess the programs of new universities and determine how they can address societal issues. The curricula should be designed to enhance graduates’ employability.

Unfortunately, universities no longer seem to contribute significantly to the country due to their failure to provide solutions to problems.

Therefore, the NUC should closely monitor universities and impose sanctions if they fail to meet the required standards. The NUC should not allow private universities to charge exorbitant fees without offering commensurate value.

The commission should prioritise the recruitment of qualified professionals as lecturers. Some universities do not meet the personnel criteria and resort to poaching lecturers from other institutions to gain accreditation for their courses. This highlights the importance of the NUC fulfilling its regulatory and monitoring responsibilities.

We must prioritise the preservation of educational standards, particularly in higher education, to ensure that these institutions are well-equipped to fulfill their responsibilities to society.