By Milcah Tanimu
Lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly have tabled 32 bills advocating the creation of additional federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This proposal, however, has sparked diverse reactions, especially from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which cautioned against establishing new institutions amid insufficient funding for existing ones.
Despite Nigeria currently having 52 federal universities, 63 state universities, and 147 private universities, lawmakers are actively pushing for the creation of more educational institutions. The National Board for Technical Education and the National Commission for Colleges of Education have also reported existing numbers for polytechnics and colleges of education, respectively.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives initiated this legislative move, introducing a bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology in Kaduna, among others. Other proposed institutions include the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Abia State and the Federal University of Information and Communications Technology in Lagos Island.
Critics argue that the focus should be on supporting existing institutions grappling with financial challenges rather than creating more. Some expressed concern over what they see as a misplaced priority, emphasizing the need for lawmakers to concentrate on impactful projects that benefit their constituents.
Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, the Programme Director of Reform Education Nigeria, voiced disappointment, stating that lawmakers seemed to be exploiting education matters for political gains. The timing of such proposals, particularly when existing institutions are facing closures, has raised questions about the wisdom of such legislative initiatives.
As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen whether these proposals for new federal universities will gain widespread support or face opposition rooted in concerns about the allocation of resources and priorities in the education sector.
