Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has raised alarm over proliferation of universities in the country and the high cost of private universities.
A statement from the special adviser media to Dogara, Mr Turaki Hassan Adamu, over the weekend, said the former speaker stated this when he spoke at the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State during the 11th convention and 14th foundation anniversary held on Saturday.
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He said “Worthy of commenting upon is the spate of approvals and licensing of private universities. The National Universities Commission (NUC) must be quick to have a recess, a break for a period of time to allow the very large number of private universities already licensed to mature.
“I am reliably informed that there are 202 universities in Nigeria, out of which the federal government owns 49; the 36 state governments own 54, while the rest 99 universities, including Achievers University, are promoted by private initiatives,” he said.
Dogara said “Many of the newly established private universities are still struggling to find their feet; not because there are no prospective university students in JAMB’s pool, but we would be shying away from the reality if we fail to realize that very many of the applicants cannot afford the fees charged by private universities”.
The member representing Bogoro /Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State said “So many prospective university students would rather wait for a few years to benefit from public university rather than exploit the vast opportunity available in private universities.”
He said “We must however acknowledge the great jobs the private universities are doing for those who can afford it, and for assisting the government in stemming the tide of educational tourism.
“Hitherto, many Nigerian youths were found in very great numbers in many universities across the globe, particularly in West African countries. In the last 21 years, with the advent of private universities in Nigeria, the story has changed for good”.
On the face-off between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which has heightened with a possible strike action looming, he appealed to the both parties to find other means of resolving disputes other than strikes.
Dogara, who is the Chancellor of the University, said “Our public universities are seriously affected by incessant strikes and threats of it. Are there no other ways of resolving disputes between the workers and the government?
”Imagine Achievers University licensed on 11th December, 2007, that commenced academic activities on 2nd April, 2008 with her 1st academic session being 2007/2008. Today at its 14th anniversary of licensing, the 11th convocation is underway.”
According to him, “No doubt, the funding challenges of the public universities need to be seriously addressed by government, but the unions are advised to think out of the box in channelling their grievances in the interest of the students and the quality of degrees they earn”.
He commended the proprietor of Achievers University, Governing Council, Management and Senate on the great transformation the university has witnessed within the short period of its establishment.
Dogara said “The signs are clear that the stakeholders are prudent and focused. Truly, it appears you are on the path of making history, to live up to your mission of establishing the best university in Africa.
“As you strive day and night to achieve your goals and objectives, I implore you not to concentrate only on infrastructure, rather see the development of the youths under your care, both in knowledge and character, as the main mandate of the National Universities Commission in granting you the license to operate a private university”.
To the graduands, Dogara congratulated them both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels for the great transformation they have experienced in the university.
He said “It is the expectation of the university, the nation and your loved ones that you will justify the effort that had been put into this transformation process by adding value to products you make and services you render as you march forward in your life journey”.
