Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Urges Nigerian Universities to Address Abandoned Mega Project

The senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has issued a compelling call to Nigeria's university system, urging them to tackle the challenge of abandoned mega projects across the country.

Speaking during the 2024 Foundation Day Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Senator Ibrahim highlighted the critical issue of uncompleted federal government projects and their potential impact on the nation's educational sector.

In his lecture titled "Abandoned Federal Government Mega Projects: Any Respite from the Nigerian Universities," Senator Ibrahim emphasized that universities play a crucial role in providing solutions to both known and unknown problems. He stressed that the university of tomorrow must excel in addressing existing issues while navigating the complexities of unforeseen challenges.

Senator Ibrahim expressed deep concern over the numerous high-profile federal projects left in limbo or abandoned nationwide. These projects, initially launched with great promise, have not only failed to achieve their objectives but have also resulted in significant financial waste. Many of these initiatives were intended to enhance various sectors, including education, by providing essential infrastructure and resources.

To address this issue, Senator Ibrahim proposed several measures:

1. Enhanced Accountability: He called for greater transparency and accountability from government agencies overseeing mega projects. Regular audits and public reports would ensure efficient fund utilization and timely project completion.

2. Resource Reallocation: Senator Ibrahim suggested redirecting resources from abandoned projects to more impactful initiatives, especially within the education sector. This approach would mitigate the negative effects on institutions heavily reliant on government support.

3. Legislative Oversight: He advocated for stronger legislative monitoring of ongoing projects, holding responsible parties accountable for delays and mismanagement.

Additionally, Senator Ibrahim encouraged universities to collaborate with the private sector to fill gaps left by abandoned federal projects. Such partnerships could provide alternative funding and essential resources for institutional development.