The Senate and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have highlighted the critical need for the establishment of more universities in Nigeria, responding to the increasing demand for higher education within the country. During a public hearing convened by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund in Abuja, various stakeholders supported the initiative for the creation of the Federal University, Okigwe, in Imo State. Prominent figures at the event included Senator Muntari Dandutse, the Committee’s Chairman; Senator Patrick Ndubueze, the bill’s sponsor; and Chris Maiyaki, the NUC’s Executive Secretary. Collectively, they articulated the urgent necessity to expand Nigeria’s higher education landscape to accommodate the growing number of prospective students.
Mr. Chris Maiyaki presented alarming statistics indicating that Nigeria’s higher educational infrastructure is significantly lacking. With 275 higher education institutions, both public and private, there are over two million prospective students vying for admission each year. He emphasized that annually, only between 500,000 to 700,000 students secure placements, which leaves approximately 1.3 million students disappointed and unable to access university education. To put this in perspective, Maiyaki compared Nigeria’s university landscape to that of other countries with similar populations. For instance, Indonesia, with a comparable population size, boasts around 2,000 universities, while countries like Russia, Brazil, and India have hundreds of thousands of institutions dedicated to higher learning.
In light of this disparity, Maiyaki assured attendees that the NUC is actively working to expand regulatory frameworks to enhance the institutions’ capacities and support the establishment of additional universities. This initiative intends not only to meet the immediate needs of the increasing student population but also to contribute to the long-term development of Nigeria’s educational infrastructure. The NUC’s commitment to addressing these gaps underscores the importance of creating an environment that supports higher education and ensures that more students can pursue their academic goals.
Senator Dandutse echoed these sentiments, highlighting the anticipated impact of the proposed Federal University in Okigwe. He asserted that this institution would significantly improve access to university education for Nigerians, particularly those residing in the Imo State region. The establishment of this university is viewed as a vital move toward national educational development, aiming to provide more equitable access to higher education resources across the country. Dandutse’s remarks signal a recognition of the challenges faced by potential students in obtaining university education and emphasize the urgent need for new institutions to bridge the gaps.
Similarly, Senator Patrick Ndubueze spoke about the transformative potential that the Federal University, Okigwe could have on the community. He pointed out that Okigwe has historically been underrepresented in terms of federal presence and resources. This proposed university, according to Ndubueze, could remedy the long-standing neglect of the area, positioning it as a more significant player within Nigeria’s educational framework. He also indicated that the town has not received federal recognition or state capital status in previous developments, making the establishment of this new institution even more significant for empowering the region.
In conclusion, the urgent call for more universities in Nigeria, as articulated by the Senate and the NUC, reflects a broader recognition of the pressing challenges faced by the education sector. With a burgeoning population and a compelling need for higher education, the establishment of institutions such as the Federal University, Okigwe is crucial to addressing the current shortfall. As stakeholders collaborate to create a supportive environment for educational expansion, it is evident that the proposed initiatives hold the potential to transform the educational landscape in Nigeria, providing opportunities for millions and fostering an environment conducive to academic and professional growth.
