When universities can’t meet basic needs
There is an alarming urgency regarding the future of Nigeria’s public university system. Recent statements from President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Emmanuel Osodeke, during the ASUU State of the Nation conference in Abuja, underscore this reality.
Academics from both local and international institutions gathered to discuss pressing issues, and Osodeke’s warnings were particularly sobering: numerous universities could soon shut down due to unsustainable electricity tariffs. His concerns are grounded in stark financial realities. While federal universities receive a mere N15 million monthly from the government for operational costs, their electricity bills can soar between N200 million and N300 million each month.
This disparity is untenable. The recent reclassification of electricity consumers into higher billing bands has exacerbated the situation, placing additional strain on already struggling institutions.
Without immediate and decisive action from the government, we may be facing an impending collapse of this critical sector. The rising costs of electricity are not just an administrative hurdle; they threaten the very foundation of public higher education in Nigeria.
Without a strategic overhaul and a commitment to providing adequate funding, universities will struggle to maintain basic operations, let alone provide quality education.
Operating universities requires substantial resources. Beyond electricity, institutions must manage costs for laboratories, fuel for vehicles, and essential services.
Yet, the government allocates a mere N15 million monthly for institutions like the University of Lagos, while one senator receives N21 million — a glaring misalignment of priorities. This stark contrast highlights a troubling truth about our governance: while the educational system struggles, individual lawmakers reap substantial financial rewards.
Compounding this issue, university-based unions are poised to strike if the government continues to neglect its commitments. The unions’ frustrations stem from unfulfilled agreements that have been in place for years, adding to an already tense atmosphere on campuses nationwide.
Also, strikes have become a distressingly regular occurrence in Nigeria’s public universities, largely due to the government’s failure to implement the 2020 Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and to adopt the University Transparency and Accountability Solution for salary management.
The issues extend beyond this; lecturers are still waiting for their Earned Academic Allowances, welfare improvements remain stagnant, and university revitalization efforts are grossly underfunded. Autonomy, a fundamental right for these institutions, is also sidelined.
These concerns are critical for the growth and sustainability of tertiary education in Nigeria. Yet, the Federal Government continues to treat universities, their staff, and students with apparent indifference.
This lack of urgency reflects a troubling misalignment of priorities. While political leaders hold the power to enact meaningful reforms, many choose to ignore the pressing needs of the educational sector.
Ironically, these same leaders often appear in the media celebrating the milestones of their children at prestigious overseas universities, or opting for expensive private institutions at home.
This trend underscores a profound loss of faith in Nigeria’s public education system, creating a stark divide between the privileged elite and the struggles faced by ordinary students and educators.
It is high time for our leaders to reconnect with the realities of our educational landscape and prioritise the revitalization of public universities. The future of our youth—and indeed, our nation—depends on it.
The government must recognise its responsibility to adequately fund university education in Nigeria.
Nigerian universities are plagued by underfunding and lack essential material and human resources. Frequent shutdowns and rushed teaching and examinations result in lowered academic standards.
A recent policy in the United Kingdom, the ‘High Potential Individual Visa,’ disqualifies Nigerian graduates from applying for jobs there, as it requires degrees from universities in the top 50 global rankings, according to GOV.UK.
To address these challenges, the Federal Government should properly fund universities and provide competitive salaries for lecturers. It must engage with unions and implement a phased release of the revitalisation fund. Additionally, the government should explore alternative funding sources beyond the usual annual budget, particularly as it does for security initiatives.
While the Bola Tinubu administration has introduced a loan scheme, this merely scratches the surface. The government needs to reinstate annual bursaries, scholarships, and grants to truly support students.
Furthermore, the President must fulfil his promise to end strikes in educational institutions.
This scenario is unsustainable. The future of our educational institutions depends on urgent reforms that prioritise funding for public universities and foster an environment where academic excellence can thrive. The government must shift its focus, investing not just in individuals but in the collective future of our youth and the nation.
If we do not take action now, we risk losing a generation of potential. The time for decisive reform is not tomorrow; it is now. The government must step up, uphold its agreements, and restore the faith of educators and students alike. Our public universities deserve better.
The government must act swiftly to address these issues. A comprehensive plan to stabilise funding for public universities is crucial. This includes revisiting the allocation for operational costs, ensuring universities can meet their utility expenses without compromising their academic integrity.
If immediate steps are not taken, the consequences will be dire—not only for students and faculty but for the nation as a whole.
A collapse of the public university system would stifle the growth of a knowledgeable workforce essential for Nigeria’s development. It is time for the government to prioritise the revitalization of our public universities before it is too late.
