Story from Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi
Former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has raised alarm over the proliferation of Universities in the country and the high cost of private universities
A statement from the special adviser media to Dogara, Mr Turaki Hassan Adamu distributed to reporters in Bauchi over the weekend noted that the lawmaker made the assertion when he spoke at the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State during the 11th convention and 14th foundation anniversary held on Saturday,
He said “Worthy of commenting upon is the spate of approvals and licensing of private universities. The National Universities Commission (NUC) must be quick to have a recess, a break for a period of time to allow the very large number of private universities already licensed to mature”.
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“I am reliably informed that there are 202 Universities in Nigeria, out of which the Federal government owns 49; the 36 State governments own 54, while the rest 99 universities, including Achievers University, are promoted by private initiatives”, he said.
Yakubu Dogara said that, “Many of the newly established private universities are still struggling to find their feet; not because there are no prospective university students in JAMB’s pool, but we would be shying away from the reality if we fail to realize that very many of the applicants cannot afford the fees charged by private universities”.
The member representing Bogoro /Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State stressed that, “So many prospective university students would rather wait for a few years to benefit from public university rather than exploit the vast opportunity available in private universities”.
He said that, “We must however acknowledge the great jobs the private universities are doing for those who can afford it, and for assisting the government in stemming the tide of educational tourism.
Hitherto, many Nigerian youths were found in very great numbers in many universities across the globe, particularly in West African Countries.
In the last 21 years, with the advent of private universities in Nigeria, the story has changed for good”.
On the face-off between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which has heightened with a possible strike action looming, he appealed to the Government and ASUU to find other means of resolving disputes other than strikes.
