Once the pride of Africa’s academic landscape, Nigeria’s first-generation universities are now shadows of their former selves. Lecture halls are crumbling, hostels are overcrowded, and the vibrant intellectual atmosphere that once defined campuses like the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has faded under years of neglect.
Recently, lawmakers in the House of Representatives called for urgent action to restore these historic institutions to their past glory. Moving the motion, Hon. Aderemi Oseni of Oyo State described the decline of these universities as “a painful story of lost heritage,” blaming years of poor funding, brain drain, and weak maintenance culture.
“These schools once shaped Africa’s brightest minds — today, many of their classrooms leak when it rains,” Oseni lamented.
The House also raised concerns about the quality of TETFund projects, noting that some newly built structures are already deteriorating faster than decades-old buildings. Lawmakers have now ordered a full investigation into the execution of TETFund projects and directed relevant ministries to develop a rehabilitation plan that will revive Nigeria’s oldest universities and restore public confidence in higher education.
