Why Nigeria Still Needs More Universities — But with Better Quality

Nigeria now has close to 300 universities, a massive leap from just 49 in 1999. Private universities alone account for more than half of the total, expanding rapidly to meet the country’s enormous demand for tertiary education. However, despite this expansion, a hot debate continues: Do we really need more universities, or should we focus on improving the quality of the ones we already have?

Education experts say the dilemma is not a simple yes-or-no. On the one hand, the population continues to grow, with millions of young Nigerians graduating from secondary school each year. In 2025 alone, nearly 2 million students sat for the UTME, but only about 30 per cent will secure admission. WAEC had almost two million candidates. NECO had more than 1.3 million. With these numbers, stakeholders argue that 300 universities simply cannot meet the nation’s needs.

On the other hand, scholars and parents are deeply concerned about quality. Many private universities have been accused of poor standards, grade inflation to attract “customers”, low funding and a shortage of qualified lecturers. Some lecturers appear as adjunct staff across several institutions, sometimes in states far from where they actually work, raising questions about how much teaching they can truly deliver.

Top academics warn that Nigeria is heading toward an educational collapse if it focuses solely on building more institutions rather than strengthening existing ones. They say the issue is not only about access, but also about purpose. The university’s original vision, as a place that cultivates cultured citizens and competent professionals, is fading.

Some analysts suggest that Nigeria should invest in specialised universities aligned with national development priorities, such as technology, agriculture, medicine, and teacher education. Others insist that the government must declare an “education emergency” and fund existing schools “ruthlessly”, as Professor Wole Soyinka once warned that a failing education sector could drag Nigeria toward becoming “a failed state”.

However, new data is forcing a rethink. Japan, with a smaller population than Nigeria, has over 1,100 universities — almost four times Nigeria’s number — and maintains high standards. This comparison has led some experts to insist that Nigeria still needs more universities, but they must be adequately staffed, well-funded, and quality-driven.

The real challenge, stakeholders agree, is balancing quantity with quality. Hence, the problem is not with building universities, but they must be the kind that can build the future Nigeria desires.