The burden of Sanwoolu and the Upcoming Governors -By Jimoh Abdullahi

Lagos was in high spirits when the National University Commission (NUC) gave a nod of approval to Sanwolu’s request of license to run the colleges of Education and polytechnic he converted to University of Education and University of Technology respectively so that they can be full-fledged universities. It is quite palpable that such a decision was taken to meet Lagos people’s satisfaction .However, his conversion of both poly and colleges to Universities is somehow shallow and also herald unpalatable experiences that those universities may face. It is quite disappointing that, National University Commission NUC executive secretary could still affirm that, littering the ground with Universities to the existing ones is the solution to meet the soaring demand of candidates seeking university education annually instead of doing the needful. Hopefully, we know that the prowling creation of universities and conversion of polytechnics and colleges by the government is part of what is fanning the smoldering ember of ASUU? Though, the idea of upgrading colleges to University has happened in Africa like Ghana and in Europe; United Kingdom and even in the United States.Yes, there is no doubt that Lagos is one of the most populous places in the country and also a centre of commercial frenzy which makes it possible for the government to generate more revenue into the state’s pocket than other States. Even its allocation from the federal government and its annual budget surpasses those of some other states in Nigeria. But the problem now is, how will the governor be able to run those Universities? when some other States’ governments could not even run one. Several people know how many months the students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH spent at home when the university was co-running, before the glitch was later settled by the incumbent Governors of the two States. And even when it was settled, did the University secede itself from ASUU ? despite Seyi Makinde’s commitment to the University. So, that is telling us that running a university is not a joke. If only the government of Lagos state can manage Lagos state university (LASU) there is no need for it to join the ASUU. Now, considering the costs of running three universities by a single person, You know how cumbersome it is. When there are other projects to execute.

Colleges and Polytechnics have potentials

If we convert a polytechnic or college of education to a university, what we are saying is that those institutions of learning are good for nothing. And it is a dirty slap to NBTE & NCCE. Is there no act that established colleges and polytechnics? Colleges of education are created to train people who will in turn teach, shape and prepare people for the future challenges. Polytechnics are established to cater for technical need of a country that is why 90% of polytechnic works are based on practicability. Imagine yourselves using iPhone, China phone, home appliances. Even Toyota Camry, Jeep, Lamborghini and the rest, majority of the people working in the companies where those vehicles were made are technical schools’ products . University only exists mainly for theoretical approaches and research purposes. Therefore, none of them is circumstantial, for each of them impacts the society.

The duo suffer INFERIORITY

And it must be stated categorically that, what this country of ours needs now is technicality which is what the polytechnics exist to answer. Moreover, the problem facing both polytechnic and colleges of Education over the years is INFERIORITY aside from general underfunding. And it is the government and the labor markets .The part of the government is that of insufficient funding of them and inability to grant the teaching staff of polytechnic the rank of professorship as that of University as it is being called by the National board of technical education NBTE. The second blame is shifted on the labour market who effected the lingering issue of BSC/HND dichotomy though, it has been solved by the legislators. Hope the fire of preference of BSC for HND holders has been doused? It is this same labour market that will be dictating specific age people should apply for jobs and forcing people to be forging their age and encouraging corruption. The USA system of education is quite distinct from ours. Higher education is known as post secondary school education and it is broadly divided into degree granting and non- degree institutions. Students are free to attend non degree schools where they will learn both vocational and technical skills before going for a degree.

The outcome

When the news of conversion of polytechnic and colleges of education to University by Babajide Sanwolu surfaced the social media, some people’s comments showcase their wish, questioning when will their own States’ government will convert their own colleges and polytechnic to University?. To be sincere, technical schools are what we need now to at least match the industrial and prosperous countries of the world,like Japan, China and the rest. This kind of action is nothing but a stupid attempt to place University’s degree on the precipice of worthlessness . Though, the deed is done and it cannot be rectified but it is a complete daft if such resurfaces again in Nigeria.

Jimoh Abdullahi, a campus Journalist,

University of Ilorin

07063087705