Nigeria must end its overregulation of universities
The ongoing interference in the admission processes of Nigerian universities is stifling their autonomy, which is essential for their growth, and undermining the quality of higher education in the country.
Overregulation by the Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the National Universities Commission (NUC) has created an environment of uncertainty, restricting the ability of universities to make decisions that align with their academic and institutional needs.
A recent policy introduced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, requires that only candidates who score 320 in the Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and are under 16 years of age be eligible for university admission.
This move, intended to prioritise exceptionally gifted students, is yet another instance of overregulation in the system. While special consideration for gifted students is commendable, it also exposes a broader issue with Nigeria’s erratic and inconsistent education policies.
Just last year, the same Ministry introduced an 18-year age limit for university entry, which was later reversed due to backlash. Such back-and-forth policy changes demonstrate a lack of foresight and planning that continues to destabilize the sector.
Compounding the problem is JAMB’s imposition of a “national minimum” UTME score for university admissions, which is far too low to ensure that students entering tertiary education are academically prepared.
A score of 140 out of 400 is not an adequate benchmark for university entrance, and it further undermines merit-based admissions. Rather than allowing universities to set their own criteria for admission, the current system forces students to go through multiple rounds of exams JAMB’s UTME and individual universities’ post-UTME.
This unnecessary duplication only serves to complicate the process and waste valuable resources. Also, the proposed shift to a 12-4 education system, while aiming to meet global standards, further exemplifies Nigeria’s tendency to implement quick fixes without addressing the core issues that hinder educational progress.
Nigeria has already experimented with several education systems over the years, none of which have been allowed to evolve with continuity and consistency. The lack of long-term vision in education reforms undermines efforts to build a competitive and functional educational system.
There are significant drawbacks to the overregulation of universities in Nigeria. First and foremost, it stifles the autonomy of higher education institutions.
Universities should be empowered to make their own decisions about admissions and set criteria that reflect their academic goals and institutional needs. The repeated interference from the government only limits their ability to function effectively. Moreover, the constant back-and-forth on policies creates confusion and instability in the sector, leading to disruption in academic calendars and frequent strikes.
Globally, best practices for university admissions, such as the A-level system in the UK, allow universities to assess applicants based on rigorous academic standards without unnecessary government interference.
These systems prioritise academic merit and allow universities to select students who meet their criteria for academic excellence. Nigeria should follow suit, granting universities the freedom to determine their own admissions processes.
The government’s role should be to provide adequate funding and infrastructure to support the higher education sector, not to micromanage the admissions process. Autonomy for universities is crucial to fostering a competitive and high-quality educational environment.
Until Nigeria acknowledges the importance of academic freedom and university autonomy, the country’s higher education system will remain hindered by constant interference and shortsighted policies.
The federal government must rethink its approach to higher education. Rather than continually imposing rigid and ineffective regulations, it should prioritise university autonomy, consistency in policy, and long-term investment in the education sector. Only then can the nation develop a higher education system capable of meeting the demands of the 21st century and producing globally competitive graduates.
The government’s role in higher education should be focused on adequate funding, providing essential infrastructure, and creating a conducive environment for learning, without overregulating the admission process.
Autonomy must be restored to the universities, and a more thoughtful, consistent, and forward-looking policy framework should be put in place to ensure that Nigeria’s higher education system can compete globally. But, it is critical for the Nigerian government to reconsider its approach to university admissions and education reform.
Nigeria can develop a more competitive and robust higher education system that benefits students, universities, and the nation as a whole. The government should focus on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes, ensuring that the future of Nigerian education is bright, sustainable, and globally relevant. Rather than implementing short-term, reactive policies, the government should focus on long-term solutions that will strengthen the country’s educational framework.
Ensuring that Nigerian universities can operate independently and that policies are consistently applied will provide the foundation for a more robust higher education system. Only then can Nigeria cultivate a generation of graduates equipped to succeed in a competitive global landscape.
