The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed strong disapproval of the Federal Government’s decision to license nine new private universities, despite a recently announced seven-year moratorium on establishing new tertiary institutions. ASUU argues that this move contradicts the government’s stated rationale for the moratorium, which was to consolidate resources and strengthen existing universities. The union contends that access to university education is no longer a pressing issue in Nigeria, with a plethora of existing institutions, both public and private, already in operation. Therefore, granting licenses for new private universities, while understandable in the context of individual rights, raises serious concerns about quality control and the potential for further strain on already scarce resources. ASUU emphasizes the need for stringent regulation of the education sector to ensure quality and prevent the devaluation of degrees. The union views the proliferation of universities as a symptom of political patronage, where licenses are granted not based on genuine educational needs but rather as rewards for political loyalty.
ASUU’s critique centers on the perceived mismatch between the government’s actions and its stated objectives. The union highlights the apparent contradiction of simultaneously announcing a moratorium on new tertiary institutions and then approving the establishment of nine private universities. This inconsistency, ASUU argues, undermines the credibility of the moratorium and raises questions about the government’s commitment to strengthening the existing university system. The union points to the already high number of universities in Nigeria – 72 federal, 108 state, and 159 private, totaling 339 – as evidence that access to university education is not the problem. Rather, the issue lies in the uneven distribution of resources and the proliferation of institutions that operate below capacity, often due to a lack of adequate funding and qualified staff. ASUU contends that licensing more private universities will only exacerbate these problems, leading to a further dilution of resources and a decline in the overall quality of higher education in Nigeria.
The union’s concerns extend beyond the immediate impact on the existing university system. ASUU warns that the continued proliferation of universities, especially those driven by profit motives, will further diminish the global standing of Nigerian universities. The union argues that the focus should be on improving the quality and reputation of existing institutions, rather than creating new ones that may lack the necessary resources and infrastructure to compete at the international level. ASUU also raises the specter of devalued degrees, as the proliferation of universities could lead to a decline in academic standards and a corresponding decrease in the value of degrees awarded by Nigerian institutions. This, the union argues, will ultimately harm graduates and undermine the country’s long-term development prospects.
ASUU’s condemnation of the government’s decision is rooted in a broader critique of the politicization of the education sector. The union accuses past and present administrations of using university licenses as instruments of political patronage, granting them to individuals and groups with political connections rather than based on genuine educational needs. This practice, according to ASUU, has led to the establishment of numerous “mushroom universities” that lack the necessary resources, infrastructure, and qualified staff to provide quality education. The union argues that this focus on political expediency has come at the expense of long-term planning and strategic investment in the education sector, ultimately hindering the development of a robust and internationally competitive university system.
ASUU’s call for a moratorium on both public and private universities underscores the union’s belief that the focus should be on consolidating and strengthening existing institutions rather than creating new ones. The union contends that spreading limited resources across a large number of universities is inefficient and ultimately counterproductive. ASUU points to the Minister of Education’s statement that over 30 universities have zero subscriptions for admission as evidence of the oversaturation of the university system. The union argues that this situation not only represents a waste of government resources but also highlights the lack of proper planning and coordination in the establishment of new universities.
While acknowledging the right of private individuals to establish universities, ASUU emphasizes the importance of strict quality control to ensure that these institutions meet acceptable standards. The union argues that the government has a responsibility to regulate the education sector and prevent the establishment of subpar institutions that may compromise the quality of higher education in Nigeria. ASUU’s stance reflects a broader concern about the potential for profit-driven private universities to prioritize financial gain over academic excellence. The union believes that a robust regulatory framework is essential to ensure that all universities, both public and private, adhere to rigorous academic standards and contribute to the overall improvement of the Nigerian education system. Furthermore, ASUU reiterates its longstanding demands for the government to address pressing issues affecting public universities, including the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, the release of revitalization funds, the payment of outstanding salary arrears, and the clearing of promotion backlogs. These demands, the union argues, are essential for restoring the quality and stability of public universities and ensuring a conducive environment for teaching and research.
