A leading voice in Nigeria’s higher education sector has expressed strong support for the Federal Government’s recent decision to suspend the establishment of new federal universities, describing the move as a necessary intervention to protect the quality and sustainability of tertiary education.
Professor Emmanuel Daramola, Vice Chancellor of Greenfield University, made the remarks during a press briefing on Wednesday, commending the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for what he termed “a bold and intelligent policy choice.”
“This moratorium is long overdue,” Prof. Daramola said. “The rush to create more institutions without properly funding or managing existing ones has diluted standards and overstretched resources.”
The Federal Government had earlier this week approved the establishment of nine new private universities while declaring a halt on the creation of new federal tertiary institutions. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, stated that the move was intended to consolidate the system and ensure existing institutions are better supported.
Daramola argued that simply increasing the number of universities is not the solution to Nigeria’s educational challenges. He emphasized that without adequate funding, infrastructure, and staffing, new federal universities only contribute to the illusion of progress.
“We must prioritize quality over quantity,” he noted. “Many federal universities are currently operating without basic facilities, research funding, or sufficient academic staff. Expanding under such conditions only sets students up for mediocrity.”
The Vice Chancellor also urged the government to use the moratorium period to audit existing institutions, improve oversight mechanisms, and implement policies that promote academic excellence and innovation.
He further called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to tighten accreditation processes and ensure that both public and private universities adhere strictly to academic standards.
The FG’s decision has sparked national debate, with several education stakeholders agreeing that the pause on new federal universities could allow for a more strategic, long-term approach to reforming Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
As the conversation continues, many eyes are now on how the government will channel funding and policy focus toward strengthening the institutions already in place.
source: thisdaylive.com
