Nigerian Public Universities Are Dying in Silence
By Su’at Muhammad Sakwaya
Nigerian public universities stand as pillars of hope, shaping the intellectual and professional landscape of the nation. They produce the doctors, engineers, lawyers, and policymakers who drive national progress.
Yet, despite their significance, these institutions grapple with challenges that threaten the quality of education they offer. From chronic underfunding to infrastructural decay, industrial actions, and a disconnect between academic training and market demands, the Nigerian public university system is in dire need of urgent reform.
One of the most pressing challenges facing Nigerian public universities is inadequate funding. While the government remains the primary financier of these institutions, the funds allocated often fall far below what is required for smooth operations.
As a result, universities struggle to provide essential learning facilities, maintain infrastructure, and pay competitive salaries to attract and retain top academic talent.
Laboratories are under-equipped, libraries lack up-to-date books and research materials, and many universities lack the financial capacity to support cutting-edge research that could drive national development.
The financial constraints also expose public universities to the unpredictability of national economic conditions. During economic downturns, budget cuts become inevitable, leading to the delay or reduction of funds meant for salaries, infrastructure, and research grants.
The consequence? Poor learning conditions, demotivated lecturers, and, in many cases, prolonged industrial actions. The frequent strikes in Nigerian public universities, particularly those led by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), are a major setback to the education system.
These strikes are often triggered by unresolved disputes over salary arrears, poor working conditions, and unfulfilled government agreements. While the grievances of university staff are valid, the real victims of these conflicts are students, who face prolonged academic calendars, delayed graduations, and, in some cases, a loss of enthusiasm for their studies.
Even when agreements are reached, the slow pace of implementation leads to recurring strikes. This instability disrupts the learning process, diminishes the credibility of Nigerian degrees, and forces many students to seek education in private universities or abroad, draining the nation’s intellectual capital.
A visit to many public universities in Nigeria reveals a stark reality—overcrowded lecture halls, dilapidated hostels, and outdated laboratory equipment. Many universities operate with buildings that have not been renovated in decades, forcing students to learn in uncomfortable conditions.
The issue of overcrowding is particularly alarming. Some lecture halls, originally designed to accommodate 100 students, now struggle to contain over 500. This not only affects the quality of education but also poses serious safety risks.
Hostels, meant to house a specific number of students, are often overstretched, leading to congestion, poor hygiene, and security concerns. In such conditions, effective learning becomes a challenge, and students are left frustrated, demotivated, and disillusioned.
In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, the relevance of education is measured by how well it prepares students for the workforce. Unfortunately, the curriculum in many Nigerian public universities remains outdated, failing to equip graduates with the practical skills demanded by modern industries.
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Employers frequently complain about the poor employability of Nigerian graduates, citing a lack of critical thinking, communication skills, and hands-on experience. Many graduates find themselves jobless, not necessarily because there are no opportunities, but because they lack the necessary skills to compete in a modern job market.
This mismatch between academic training and industry requirements has led to an oversaturation of graduates in certain fields while leaving critical sectors, such as technology and engineering, with a shortage of skilled personnel.
Corruption remains one of the biggest threats to the integrity of Nigeria’s public university system. Mismanagement of funds, nepotism in staff recruitment, and bribery in the admission process have eroded the credibility of these institutions.
Students are sometimes forced to pay bribes to pass exams, while research grants meant for academic development are diverted for personal gain. The admission process, which should be based on merit, is often compromised by favoritism and political influence.
Some students gain entry into universities through backdoor channels, while deserving candidates are denied opportunities. This not only affects the quality of students admitted but also undermines the principles of fairness and academic excellence.
Public universities are supposed to be independent institutions governed by academic excellence and integrity. However, political interference often undermines their autonomy.
The appointment of vice-chancellors, deans, and other key officials is sometimes influenced by political connections rather than competence. This leads to poor leadership, inefficiency, and decisions that prioritize political interests over academic development.
Additionally, the creation of new academic programs is sometimes politically motivated rather than based on actual demand. Some universities establish courses that do not align with national developmental goals or job market needs, further exacerbating graduate unemployment.
Addressing the challenges in Nigerian public universities requires a comprehensive and sustained approach. First, the government must increase its investment in education, ensuring that universities have adequate funds to improve infrastructure, pay staff competitively, and support research.
Public-private partnerships should also be explored to supplement government funding and bring innovation into university management. Secondly, curriculum reform is crucial. Universities must update their courses to reflect current global trends and industry needs.
Incorporating skill-based training, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy into the curriculum will make graduates more employable and self-reliant. Technology should also be leveraged to improve learning outcomes. Online learning platforms, digital libraries, and virtual laboratories can help bridge the resource gap and provide students with access to world-class education.
In addition, corruption must be tackled head-on. Transparent financial management, stricter admission policies, and accountability mechanisms should be enforced to ensure that resources are utilized efficiently and fairly.
Universities must also regain their autonomy, free from undue political influence, to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of academic growth and excellence. Nigerian public universities are at a crossroads.
While they hold immense potential to drive national development, their current challenges threaten to derail their mission. However, with strategic reforms, increased investment, and a commitment to quality education, these institutions can rise above their struggles and fulfill their role as citadels of knowledge and innovation.
The future of Nigeria depends on the quality of its education system. If the necessary changes are implemented, Nigerian universities can once again become centers of excellence, producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also equipped to lead, innovate, and transform society.
The time for action is now.
Su’at Muhammad Sakwaya is a Student of Mass Communication. She wrote from Maryam abacha American university (MAAUN) via: [email protected]
