The federal government has said no new federal universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education will be created for the next seven years. Many people believe this decision makes sense because Nigeria already has many schools, yet many of them are struggling to survive.
Right now, the country has over 70 federal universities, 42 polytechnics, and 28 colleges of education, not to mention the state and private schools. Nevertheless, some of these schools do not even attract up to 100 applicants in a year, a few record zero. So, the issue is not really about building more schools; it is about fixing the ones we already have.
Opening a new university sounds good on paper, but it costs money to build and even more money to maintain. Nigeria’s economy is already facing serious challenges, so why spread money thin when existing schools are crying for help? Many of the schools we have today were even set up for political reasons, without proper planning or facilities. This break will hopefully force the government to focus on improving existing initiatives.
However, the truth is, the biggest problem in our education system is how we treat lecturers and academic staff. These are the people shaping the future of our children, yet their salaries are small and sometimes unpaid for months. Research facilities are poor, and many lecturers are struggling to make ends meet.
Because of this, brain drain has become common. Our brightest minds are leaving for other countries where their work is valued. It is painful that we celebrate footballers and musicians with millions, but professors who train doctors, engineers, and lawyers are underpaid and ignored. This attitude shows that, as a nation, we do not value knowledge the way we should.
The condition of most schools is another big problem. Libraries are empty of new books, laboratories are using old tools, and classrooms are overcrowded. Some students even learn in halls with broken windows and poor lighting. Internet service, which is now the heart of modern learning, is weak or not available in many campuses. With all these challenges, how can our universities produce strong research or innovation?
This seven-year pause is a chance for the government to sit up. If they use the time well, they can improve lecturers’ welfare, upgrade facilities, and support real research. If not, it will just be another policy without impact. Nigeria must decide if it genuinely wants education to move forward, or if it will keep dancing around the same problem.
