How to Save Nigeria’s University System: A Mandate for New Govt. -By Ismaheel Taofeeq Adisa

For the last few years, the Nigerian university system has been in a state of disrepair, with inadequate funding and a lack of proper infrastructure leading to subpar education.
In fact, it’s gotten so bad that the World Bank recently released a report calling the entire system “a national tragedy,” noting that “the authorities are failing in their responsibility to establish and maintain an effective university system.”
The time has come for Nigeria to take action—or risk losing an entire generation of students and citizens. As a new government is set to take office in May, this article will provide an overview of what must be done for Nigeria to save its universities from decay. In particular, we’ll be looking at five key steps that must be taken in order for any progress to be made. These include improving funding, offering more autonomy to university administrators, creating more diverse courses and curricula, restructuring existing universities, and introducing some innovative ideas for teaching.

Overview of the Current State of the University System in Nigeria

It’s no secret that Nigeria’s public university system has befallen a cycle of neglect and mismanagement. What was once an impressive base of education that attracted students from across the continent is now in a state of disrepair. Stagnant government allocation and investments, an inadequate curriculum, and insufficient funding have crippled the system, resulting in plummeting enrollment numbers and poor quality of education.
The fractured university system has also had devastating effects on thousands of students and faculty. Organizations like The Nation report that many universities are struggling to maintain even the basic infrastructure requirements for learning, including classrooms, libraries, laboratories, as well as faculty housing. In addition, an overwhelming majority of Nigerian higher learning institutions lack the resources to adequately prepare students for their professional lives or to compete competently on an international level.
Without a comprehensive plan and a proactive approach from the incoming government to tackle these challenges, it is clear that Nigeria’s university system will remain in crisis.

Challenges Facing the Nigerian University System

The Nigerian public university system is under immense pressure, facing numerous challenges that range from poor infrastructure, inadequate funding and resources, outdated curriculum and teaching methods, to the rampant corruption and political interference.
In addition to the physical degradation of university structures, government policies and sanctions have increased fees significantly, leading to a lack of access and affordability for students from all economic backgrounds. Furthermore, with an aging population of professors and lecturers coupled with a lack of job security or incentives, the retention of faculty is a significant challenge.
These issues have caused a steady decline in the quality of education throughout Nigeria’s university system. With fewer programs available, students are increasingly unable to secure good jobs after graduation or find meaningful employment opportunities in their chosen fields. As a result, the country suffers from a lack of skilled labor as well as increased poverty and inequality.
It is clear that unless urgent action is taken by the incoming government to address these challenges head-on, Nigeria’s University system will continue to suffer.

Strategies to Resolve the Problems in University System

When it comes to saving Nigeria’s universities, the incoming government must take a few strategic steps. To start, they must ensure university systems are properly funded. Funds should be allocated for modern facilities and updated technology, as well as instituting proper pay structure for professors and staff. This will help attract the best talent in the country and help to modernize universities.
In addition to funding and talent, the government must also:

Focus on reviewing curriculum both at postgraduate and undergraduate levels

Increase partnerships with industry leading organizations

Develop and implement policies targeted at improving academic standards throughout all universities

Invest in research and development so that Nigerian universities can remain competitive in the global academic arena

Work collaboratively with all stakeholders to support students through financial relief programs

By taking these steps to properly fund Nigerian universities, review curriculum, foster relationships with leading organizations and invest in research, the incoming government can help create a well-functioning University system which will provide students with a better learning experience that is up-to-date with today’s global educational standards.

Recent Successful Initiatives to Revive University System

The incoming government should take on initiatives that have been successful in other countries at reviving the university system. Here are a few examples of what they should consider:

Investing in Higher Education

One of the most successful initiatives to revive a university system is to invest more money in higher education. Countries like Ghana, China, India and the United States have seen positive results when they’ve made significant investments in their universities’ infrastructure and faculties, resulting in better buildings and equipment, as well as top-notch faculty members.
Ghana has jumped six spots ahead of Nigeria in the Global Innovation Index 2021! They’re investing more in education, which is why companies, industries, and people are relocating there.

Improving Accessibility

Improving accessibility is key for reviving a university system. Countries like Canada, Ireland and the UK have had success with initiatives like free tuition for students from low-income backgrounds, expanding student loan programs, and lowering the costs of books and other materials. This creates an environment that’s more welcoming for all students — especially those from low-income backgrounds — by removing financial barriers that might otherwise stand in their way.

Supporting Research Projects

Research projects can help revive universities by stimulating research activity, encouraging collaborations between faculty members and students, as well as promoting cross-disciplinary work between departments — all of which can help generate new ideas and insights into pressing problems. Many countries have found success through supporting research projects with grants or other forms of financial support to encourage innovation at universities.

The Importance of Student Participation in Solutions

It’s no secret that Nigeria’s University System is in trouble and needs saving, and you may be wondering what the incoming government can do to help. But the truth is, it’s not all up to the government—students can play a huge role in reviving their own university system.

Increased Student Engagement

It is essential for students to become more involved and engaged in efforts to save their universities, from participating in protests and rallies to attending town hall meetings—anything that contributes to pushing for reform.
When students take part in such activities, it shows the government that they are passionate about making changes and becoming actively engaged citizens. It also sends a message that they care about their college experience— something which should not be taken lightly.

More Curricular Activities

At present, universities offer limited extracurricular activities which often don’t cater to all student interests. Students have an opportunity to work with administrators and faculties to create more diverse curricular activities tailored to accommodate different student interests such as sports, music, art or theater. Involving students in the decision-making process gives them a sense of ownership of their university experience and helps foster a sense of community on campus.
Student participation is absolutely essential when it comes to reviving Nigeria’s University System — if students get involved, then it will likely lead to better reform proposals from the new government as well as better engagement between students and university authorities.

Recommendations for Incoming Government & Stakeholders

The incoming Nigerian government, and stakeholders involved in Higher Education, must make this key considerations if they want to revamp the University System.

Funding

The incoming government needs to commit an increase in funding towards universities and higher education institutions. This will ensure they have access to the technological and human resources necessary for successful operation.

Accessibility

The government should also strive to make higher education more accessible for all Nigerians regardless of social and economic backgrounds. They can do this by designing policies that give aid to students who need it and increasing the available scholarships for students from diverse backgrounds.

Reforms

In order to assure the underlying problems are addressed, proper reforms of governance should be implemented, reforming of administrations, faculty management, curriculum updates etc., according to international standards. This will help create a healthier university system that is up-to-date with global standards and growing technological demands.
These are just a few ways the incoming government and stakeholders can start tackling the issues of the University system in Nigeria— by committing adequate funds, making higher education accessible to all Nigerians, and reforming existing systems—the new regime can create a new era of Nigerian higher education systems that lead the world in quality education.

The strike should be a thing of the past

The next step the new Nigerian government should take to revive the university system is to ensure that strikes by both students and lecturers become a thing of the past. The frequent strikes have led to a decline in the quality of education as well as in enrollment figures, and have also adversely impacted morale among students, faculty and staff.
In order to achieve this goal, the government must:

Provide adequate funding for universities: This can include creating programs or subsidies that are specifically tailored to address budgetary issues within universities.

Create an effective stakeholder engagement mechanism: This can include introducing an online platform that allows stakeholders to communicate with each other in an efficient and effective manner.

Establish measures for accountability: This means having performance-based systems in place that track progress and offer rewards for excellence.

Introduce regulations that protect the rights of students and lecturers: This ensures that all stakeholders have complete access to information about their rights and responsibilities, as well as any changes or updates in regulations.

Urge the Government to pay salaries on time: Punctually paid salaries will ensure that there is a better sense of job security among university staff, thus lowering the amount of strike action taken by them.

By taking these steps, the incoming Nigerian government can be sure they are taking measures towards creating an environment wherein strikes are no longer an issue, paving the way for a vibrant university system where students can learn without fear of disruption due to strikes or discontent amongst faculty members due to unpaid salaries.

Conclusion

When it comes to the state of Nigeria’s public university system, the stakes are high. The incoming government should know that the future of the nation’s universities rests in their hands. It is time to take concrete steps to create an environment that promotes creative learning, critical thinking, and innovation. It is only when the university system is as sustainable and vibrant as it could be that Nigeria can truly reap the benefits of higher education.
To begin, the new government must invest in university infrastructure, fund research, and development, and focus on better staff and student welfare. In addition, measures must be taken to develop the academic standards of the universities and instill an enabling environment that encourages the growth and advancement of knowledge. These efforts will help the government restore the glory of the Nigerian university system and provide a strong foundation for a successful Nigeria.