In the vast landscape of Nigerias education system, the issue of the proliferation of tertiary institutions has become a cause for concern. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has recently voiced its worries, highlighting the imbalance between the establishment of new institutions and the inadequate funding of existing ones.

The Dilemma of Proliferation

ASUU, in its critique, points fingers at both Federal and state governments for the rapid establishment of new universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The union contends that this surge in new institutions occurs at the expense of funding the existing ones adequately.

ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, raised a significant proposal during the Tertiary Education Tax Fund (TETFund) strategic planning meeting in Abuja. He suggests a shift in responsibility, emphasizing that proprietors of new universities should self-fund for the initial five years before seeking intervention from TETFund.

Funding Responsibility for Sustainable Growth

We have proposed to the National Assembly, and I think TETFund can bring that as part of its policies that for any university or polytechnic to benefit from the agency, the owner must have funded it for at least five years, Osodeke stated. This proactive approach aims to discourage governors from establishing institutions merely for political gains without a genuine commitment to education.

This strategy aligns with the notion that those initiating new educational establishments should bear the financial responsibility during the critical formative years. It not only ensures a more thoughtful approach to establishing institutions but also helps in mitigating the overgrowth of universities and other tertiary entities.

Beyond Structures: Equipping for Excellence

In ASUUs perspective, the focus should not solely be on erecting new structures but also on adequately equipping them. Osodeke stressed the need for attention to be given to both infrastructural development and ensuring that these institutions have the necessary tools for effective education delivery.

ASUUs Call for Accountability

The unions concerns extend to the negligence observed in implementing TETFunds projects within some tertiary institutions. Prof. Osodeke highlighted a particular case at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Anambra State, where three dialysis machines were discovered abandoned and unused. Such instances of neglect hinder the progress of education in these institutions and underscore the need for increased accountability.

The Current Landscape: Numbers and Realities

A quick overview of the current state of Nigerian higher education, as per the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), reveals a total of 262 universities, comprising 52 federal, 63 state-owned, and 147 private universities. Similarly, there are 40 federal polytechnics, 49 state-owned polytechnics, and 76 private polytechnics.

In the realm of health education, there are 70 federal and state-owned colleges, while 17 are privately owned. These numbers underscore the significant growth in the education sector, but they also raise questions about the sustainability and quality of these institutions.

Conclusion: A Call for Sustainable Growth

In conclusion, ASUUs concerns about the proliferation of tertiary institutions in Nigeria are a clarion call for a balanced approach. While growth is essential, it should be accompanied by responsible funding and a commitment to equip these institutions adequately. ASUUs proposal for a self-funding period before TETFund intervention reflects a strategic step towards ensuring the longevity and quality of new educational establishments. Ultimately, it is a plea for sustainable growth that prioritizes the educational needs of the nation over political expediency.