Legislative Push for 32 New Federal Universities Amid ASUU Demands Sparks Concerns
Nigeria presently hosts 52 federal universities, 63 state universities, and 147 private universities, according to data from the National Universities Commission. The push for expansion includes efforts to add 32 more federal universities to the existing landscape.
Binye-lum 
A recent investigation has revealed that lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly are advocating for the establishment of 32 new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, raising concerns amidst the ongoing challenges in the education sector.
Despite the federal government's current impasse with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over salary increments and university funding, reports indicate that 32 bills have been presented to both the Senate and the House of Representatives, proposing the creation of new institutions.
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Nigeria presently hosts 52 federal universities, 63 state universities, and 147 private universities, according to data from the National Universities Commission. The push for expansion includes efforts to add 32 more federal universities to the existing landscape.
The bills reveal diverse proposals, such as the establishment of the Federal University of Technology in Kaduna and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Bende, Abia State. Critics, including ASUU Chairman Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin and Ayodamola Oluwatoyin of Reform Education Nigeria, argue that these initiatives may be politically motivated and represent misplaced priorities.
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Prof. Bolarin expressed concern, stating, "Misplaced priority. They should concentrate more on projects that would impact the lives of their constituents instead of creating more problems for the nation." Similarly, Oluwatoyin questioned the timing, emphasizing the need to address existing challenges rather than creating new ones.
While lawmakers advocate for these institutions, experts and stakeholders stress the importance of prioritizing funding for existing universities, which have faced numerous challenges, including strikes and inadequate resources.
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The bills are currently under scrutiny, with both support and criticism arising as Nigeria grapples with the complex issues surrounding higher education.
