The Nigerian Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has made a compelling case for prioritizing the consolidation and enhancement of existing educational institutions over the establishment of new ones. His argument, presented at a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, centered on the principle of maximizing resource utilization for quality education amidst the country’s current economic realities. The hearing focused on three proposed bills, one of which sought to establish a new Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Borno State. The Minister’s stance, however, firmly opposed the creation of this new institution, advocating instead for a more strategic approach to educational development.
Alausa’s primary concern revolved around the judicious allocation of limited resources. He argued that spreading already scarce funds across a growing number of institutions would inevitably dilute the quality of education provided. Emphasizing the importance of existing federal institutions across the nation, he highlighted the government’s policy of equitable distribution, ensuring each state has at least one federal polytechnic. With all states except Sokoto and the Federal Capital Territory currently having one, the Minister questioned the rationale for creating a new institution when existing ones require more substantial investment. He pointed out that while the initiative to establish a new institution might seem well-intentioned, its impact would be severely hampered by inadequate funding, ultimately proving counterproductive to the goal of improving educational standards.
The Minister further underscored the government’s commitment to promoting private sector involvement in education. He encouraged states and individuals to leverage existing avenues for establishing private tertiary institutions as a means of supporting national educational development, rather than relying solely on the Federal Government. This approach, he argued, would not only alleviate the financial strain on the government but also foster a more diverse and robust educational landscape. He stressed the need for a collaborative approach between the government and private sector to meet the nation’s educational needs.
Focusing on the bill proposing the establishment of the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Hawul, Borno State, the Minister directly urged the House Committee to suspend further deliberations on the matter. While acknowledging the proponents’ arguments regarding insecurity and unemployment in the region, he maintained that addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, not solely the creation of a new institution. He reiterated his belief that channeling resources towards strengthening existing institutions would yield far greater returns in terms of improved educational outcomes and, consequently, better employment prospects for graduates. The Minister advocated for a comprehensive strategy that tackles the root causes of insecurity and unemployment by equipping individuals with marketable skills through quality education within already existing institutions.
Regarding the other two bills, which aimed to amend the Federal Polytechnics Act, the Minister expressed general agreement with the proposed changes. However, he raised a specific concern regarding the inclusion of representatives from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on the Governing Councils of Polytechnics. While acknowledging the important roles of both organizations, he argued that their core functions did not directly align with the responsibilities of a polytechnic’s governing council. He viewed the NBTE as a regulatory body and MAN as an advocacy group for manufacturers, implying their involvement in governance could potentially create conflicts of interest and disrupt the council’s focus.
The sponsor of the bill proposing the new college in Borno State, Rep. Usman Balami, defended the proposal, citing the specific challenges of insecurity and unemployment prevalent in the region. He argued that the proposed institution was a strategic response to the growing number of unemployed youth, aiming to equip them with the skills necessary for self-reliance and economic empowerment. Balami envisioned the college as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application, producing graduates ready to meet the demands of the dynamic job market. However, the Minister countered these arguments by emphasizing the broader picture of resource allocation and the need for a more strategic approach to educational development nationwide. The Minister’s position highlights the ongoing debate between localized needs and national strategic planning in the context of resource allocation for education.
