Professor Ayo Akinwole, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) University of Ibadan chapter, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the development of Nigeria’s Education system, particularly the public university sector. Akinwole emphasized that Nigeria’s children deserve a functional and world-class education system, citing the country’s democratic era has failed to yield the desired benefits and dividends. Nigeria’s education system has faced numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, dilapidated infrastructure, and a lack of basic amenities.
Meanwhile, the country has over 170 universities, but about 95% of students are enrolled in public universities, which are struggling to cope with the demand. The ASUU boss lamented that successive democratic leadership has failed to address these issues. Instead, it has opted for the proliferation of universities without adequate funding. Akinwole urged President Tinubu to fund universities and develop them to address Nigeria’s problems, noting that the country needs universities that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their peers globally.
Citizens still lack basic amenities that should be available.
He emphasized that the basic social amenities enjoyed by citizens in advanced democracies are still elusive in Nigeria, including epileptic power supply, inadequate healthcare, and dysfunctional educational systems. Of course, the state of Education in Nigeria is a pressing concern, with millions of out-of-school children and a high rate of illiteracy. The country’s education sector has been plagued by strikes, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarking on a prolonged strike in 2022 to demand improved funding and working conditions.
The strike, which lasted for several months, drew attention to the deplorable state of Nigeria’s universities and the need for urgent intervention. Akinwole’s call for adequate funding and development of public universities is timely, given the country’s quest for Economic Development and global competitiveness. Nigeria’s education system must be revamped to produce graduates who can compete with their peers globally. The country needs universities that can produce cutting-edge research, innovation, and entrepreneurship to drive Economic Growth and development.
Call for implementation of draft bill by ASUU and NUC.
Furthermore, Akinwole’s emphasis on equal access to education is crucial, given the country’s high rate of Illiteracy and out-of-school children. Nigeria’s constitution guarantees equal access to education, but this provision has not been fully implemented. The government must prioritize equal access to education, particularly for marginalized groups, such as girls and children with disabilities. To address these challenges, Akinwole called on President Tinubu to refrain from further proliferation of universities and instead focus on developing existing institutions. He also urged the government to prioritize equal access to education, as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
Additionally, Akinwole called for the implementation of the draft bill submitted by ASUU and NUC to the National Assembly, which aims to address the funding and development of public universities. Also, Akinwole stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to education reform, including the development of infrastructure, improvement of teaching facilities, and provision of adequate funding for research and innovation. He also called for the establishment of a National Education Commission to oversee the development of the education sector and ensure that it aligns with global best practices.
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It is apparent that Nigeria’s education system requires urgent attention and Investment to provide functional and world-class institutions that can produce graduates who can compete globally. The government must prioritize adequate funding, Infrastructure development, and equal access to education to ensure that Nigeria’s children receive the quality education they deserve. President Tinubu must also take decisive action to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s education system and ensure that the country’s universities are empowered to address the challenges confronting Nigeria and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their peers elsewhere in the world.