The University System and the Nigerian Government: Challenges and Quick Actions Needed, by Aisha Abubakar Tijjani

The university system in Nigeria is a cornerstone of national development, producing professionals, researchers, and innovators that drive various sectors of the economy. However, over the past few decades, Nigerian universities have faced numerous challenges that have impeded their ability to fulfill their core functions. These challenges, exacerbated by government policies, inadequate funding, and other systemic issues, have left the university system in dire need of reform. For Nigeria to make significant progress in education, technology, and human development, urgent actions must be taken to address these challenges.

One of the most critical challenges facing Nigerian universities is underfunding. The percentage of the national budget allocated to education, and specifically universities, has been consistently below the recommended standards by international bodies such as UNESCO. Public universities in Nigeria are largely dependent on government funding, but the insufficient financial resources allocated have led to infrastructure decay, low staff salaries, and an inability to fund research activities. This underfunding has crippled universities, making them unable to maintain a conducive learning environment for students and staff alike.

Poor infrastructure is another significant problem. Many Nigerian universities operate in dilapidated conditions, with overcrowded lecture halls, inadequate student hostels, and poorly equipped laboratories. The quality of education is heavily dependent on the learning environment, and with such infrastructural deficits, students are often unable to engage meaningfully with their studies. Laboratories, in particular, lack the equipment needed for cutting-edge research, limiting the scope of scientific inquiry and innovation within Nigerian universities.

Another persistent issue is the frequent strikes, particularly those organized by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). These strikes, often caused by the failure of the government to honor agreements on salary increments, funding, and other conditions of service, have led to significant disruptions in academic activities. These industrial actions often leave students stranded for months, elongating the duration of their programs and causing frustration among students and their families. The constant interruptions in academic calendars have also diminished the reputation of Nigerian universities.

A related issue is the brain drain, where highly qualified academics leave Nigerian universities for better opportunities abroad. With low pay, poor working conditions, and limited opportunities for research, many lecturers and researchers have emigrated to other countries where their expertise is better valued and supported. This exodus of talent has weakened the capacity of Nigerian universities to compete on a global scale, further exacerbating the challenges within the system.

The issue of outdated curricula is another major concern. The world is evolving rapidly, with technological advancements and changing industry demands. However, many Nigerian universities are still using curricula that have not been updated to reflect these changes. Graduates often leave the university system without the necessary skills to thrive in today’s job market, leading to high unemployment rates among university graduates. There is a growing disconnect between what is taught in the classroom and what employers need, which has made the system inefficient in meeting labor market demands.

Overcrowding is a pervasive challenge within Nigerian universities. The demand for university education far exceeds the available capacity, leading to overcrowded classrooms and strained resources. The student-to-lecturer ratio is often much higher than the recommended standards, making it difficult for lecturers to provide individualized attention and for students to have meaningful engagement with their course material. This overcrowding diminishes the quality of education and frustrates both students and academic staff.

Corruption and mismanagement also play a significant role in undermining the university system in Nigeria. Public universities are often poorly managed, with funds misallocated or embezzled, leading to the underutilization of resources. The lack of transparency and accountability in the management of universities has eroded trust and contributed to the systemic failures within the education sector. Political interference in the appointment of university administrators further complicates governance, often resulting in inefficiencies.

The Nigerian university system also suffers from a research deficiency. Research is a critical function of universities, driving innovation and providing solutions to national challenges. However, research in Nigerian universities is grossly underfunded, and there is a lack of collaboration between universities and industries that could translate research findings into practical applications. Without a robust research culture, Nigerian universities have fallen behind their global counterparts in contributing to knowledge production and technological advancements.

Student welfare is another area where the system falls short. With inadequate student housing, poor healthcare services, and limited recreational facilities, the overall well-being of students is often neglected. Many students live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, which affect their health and academic performance. The lack of mental health support services also contributes to the struggles students face in navigating the pressures of university life.

Inconsistent government policies are another challenge for the Nigerian university system. Over the years, successive governments have introduced various policies aimed at reforming the education sector, but these policies are often poorly implemented or abandoned before they can make a meaningful impact. The lack of continuity in policy implementation has created a sense of instability within the university system, further complicating the relationship between universities and the government.

Another issue is the lack of technological integration within the education system. In today’s world, digital tools and technologies are essential for modern education, but many Nigerian universities still operate with minimal technological support. The lack of high-speed internet, digital learning platforms, and online resources has made it difficult for students to access global knowledge and engage in remote learning. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these shortcomings when many universities were unable to transition smoothly to online learning.

Gender inequality also remains a challenge in Nigerian universities, with female students and staff often facing discrimination and harassment. Although there has been progress in increasing female enrollment in universities, women still face barriers in accessing leadership positions and participating fully in academic activities. Creating a more inclusive environment that encourages the participation of women in academia is essential for the overall development of the university system.

The lack of collaboration between universities and industries is another problem. In many developed countries, universities work closely with industries to develop curricula, conduct research, and provide internship opportunities for students. In Nigeria, however, this collaboration is weak, with universities often operating in isolation from the private sector. Strengthening these partnerships would allow universities to better prepare students for the job market and enhance their research capabilities.

The issue of accreditation and quality assurance is also a concern. While the National Universities Commission (NUC) is responsible for ensuring that universities meet certain standards, many universities fail to provide quality education that meets global benchmarks. There is a need for more stringent accreditation processes to ensure that universities maintain high academic standards.

To address these challenges, the Nigerian government must take quick and decisive action. First, there needs to be a significant increase in the funding allocated to education, particularly for public universities. This funding should be used to improve infrastructure, pay competitive salaries to academic staff, and provide resources for research. Additionally, the government must honor its agreements with academic unions to prevent future strikes and ensure a stable academic calendar.

Secondly, universities must update their curricula to align with current industry demands and global trends. This will require collaboration with industries to identify the skills needed in the workforce and ensure that graduates are adequately prepared for employment. Furthermore, Nigerian universities should invest in digital infrastructure to support online learning and provide students with access to global knowledge.

Improving governance within universities is also critical. Universities should be given greater autonomy to manage their resources and make decisions without political interference. Transparent and accountable leadership will go a long way in restoring trust and improving the efficiency of the system.

Finally, the Nigerian government must foster a stronger research culture within universities by providing adequate funding and encouraging collaboration between universities and industries. This will help drive innovation and position Nigerian universities as key contributors to global knowledge production.

In conclusion, the challenges facing the Nigerian university system are numerous and complex, but they are not insurmountable. With increased funding, policy consistency, infrastructural development, and improved governance, the Nigerian government can help restore the university system to its rightful place as a driver of national development. Immediate and strategic actions are needed to ensure that Nigerian universities can compete globally and produce graduates who are equipped to contribute to the country’s progress.

Aisha Abubakar Tijjani a 300 level student from Mass Communication Department Borno State University, Maiduguri Borno State.