NUC Boss Defends Need for More Universities in Nigeria
Maiyaki emphasized the need to expand the university system to accommodate more students. He noted that with only two million Nigerians enrolled in universities, the country lags behind other nations like India, Brazil, and the United States, where a higher percentage of the population pursues higher education
AKACHI NOEL 
The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, has defended the Federal Government's approval of more universities, countering critics who argue that the existing 272 public and private institutions are sufficient. Maiyaki stated that the current number of universities is inadequate to meet the growing demand for higher education among Nigerian youths.
Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have expressed strong opposition to the proliferation of universities, criticizing the government's focus on quantity over quality. ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, called for an amendment to the NUC Act to prevent the excessive establishment of new universities without proper funding.
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Osodeke highlighted that the unchecked creation of universities was a key issue during the 2020 and 2022 strikes. He urged the government to prioritize funding and improving existing institutions instead of opening new ones.
In response, Maiyaki emphasized the need to expand the university system to accommodate more students. He noted that with only two million Nigerians enrolled in universities, the country lags behind other nations like India, Brazil, and the United States, where a higher percentage of the population pursues higher education.
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Maiyaki also outlined NUC's efforts to enhance the quality of education through initiatives such as finalizing guidelines on Transnational Education (TNE) and improving the standards for Open and Distance Learning (ODL). He stated that these measures aim to ensure Nigerian universities can compete globally and meet the demands of a knowledge-driven economy.
The NUC has identified strategic priorities including curriculum development, quality assurance, research and innovation, infrastructure development, and deeper IT penetration. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to reposition the Nigerian university system for excellence and global competitiveness.
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Maiyaki concluded that the Commission remains committed to expanding and improving the higher education landscape in Nigeria to meet the aspirations of its youth and support national development.
