Nigeria's Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has sounded the alarm on the excessive establishment of new universities by lawmakers, warning that the education system is under immense pressure. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Alausa emphasized the need to prioritize improving existing institutions over creating new ones.
The minister pointed out that despite the surge in universities, student enrollment remains surprisingly low. For instance, private universities, which account for only 1% of all institutions, have a mere 7.5% of total undergraduate enrollment. Currently, undergraduate enrollment stands at approximately 875,000, which is relatively low. Some universities even have fewer than 1,000 undergraduate students .
Alausa also advocated for a reduction in non-technical courses in specialized universities, suggesting that such programs should be offered in conventional institutions. This proposal is likely influenced by the government's focus on consolidation and stabilization, as outlined in the proposed 2025 budget.
The budget prioritizes key areas such as defense and security, infrastructure, health, and education, with a significant allocation of N826.90 billion for infrastructure development in the educational sector. However, the government's decision to reject the proposal for new universities may also be driven by the need to address existing challenges in the education sector, such as infrastructure development and quality of education.
Ultimately, the government's emphasis on improving the existing education system, addressing infrastructure challenges, and enhancing the quality of education is crucial for Nigeria's economic recovery and stability.
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