Most Private Universities are for Profit -JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede

Despite the distinctive number of private universities in Nigeria, a total of 149 out of 265 universities, the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB has stated that most of these private universities are basically profit making institutions.

While giving his view on the place of institutional autonomy in private universities, Oloyede said private universities have a long way to go on the matter of autonomy because most of these universities are "for profit".

Speaking as a guest lecturer on the topic, University Autonomy and the Quest for Development at Princess Alexandra Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka during the Valedictory lecture of Prof Ozumba, the Registrar emphasised that at the forefront of this discussion is the prevalent trend of familial control within private universities. In many cases, founders assume authoritative roles within the institution, with the founder serving as the de facto Vice Chancellor and their spouse as the de facto Bursar. 

SEE VIDEO HERE: JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq, Delivers Lecture on University Autonomy and the Quest for Development

This familial dominance extends to decision-making processes, where dissent from the ceremonial VC or institutional council is often met with suppression. This he described as been "shameful". In his words:

"They just decorate the office of the Vice Chancellor with a person, who is willing to say 'yes, Sir' as many times as possible. So when we are talking about academic freedom and institutional autonomy, I must tell you, I am not talking about private universities because it is another shameless aspect of our life".

READ: Jamb Must be Your Enemy - JAMB Registrar, Professor  Ishaq Oloyede

This arrangement not only raises questions about academic freedom but also undermines the concept of institutional autonomy. The lack of transparency and accountability encourages a culture where opposing voices are silenced, hindering intellectual growth and critical discourse.

Adding to this, Oloyede affirmed that, sadly, only the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, have spoken about the anomalies going on in private universities in terms of governance. "It is shameful, completely shameless", he attested.

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However, amidst the broader debate on university autonomy, Oloyede stressed that indiscipline is the major problem in Nigerian universities. Regardless of ownership, indiscipline continues to plague Nigerian universities, impeding progress and tarnishing the reputation of higher education institutions.