By Abdulwahab Muhammad, Bauchi
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has raised alarm over proliferation of universities in the country and the high cost of private universities.
In a statement issued by the special adviser media to Dogara, Malam Turaki Hassan over the weekend, said the former speaker stated this when he spoke at the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State during the 11th convention and 14th foundation anniversary held on Saturday.
He said “Our public universities are seriously affected by incessant strikes and threats of it. Are there no other ways of resolving disputes between the workers and the Government?".
He noted that funding challenges of the public universities need to be seriously addressed by the federal government.
Dogara, who is the chancellor of the Achievers University, however advised the universities staff union to think out of the box in channeling their grievances in the interest of the students and the quality of degrees they ear.
Hon. Yakubu Dogara also expressed worrisome over the spate of approvals and licensing of private universities in the country, stressing the need for the National Universities Commission to have a recess or break to allow the very large number of private universities already licensed to mature.
"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.
"Many of the newly established private universities are still struggling to find their feet; not because there are no prospective university students 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 former speaker explained that 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.
"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.
"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."
"In conclusion, I want to congratulate our happy and proud parents and well-wishers for witnessing the day of joy of your children. As you journey back to your various destinations, my prayer is that you will not remember today in sadness. I rejoice with you all, I wish you happy celebrations of the yuletide season, and a very happy and prosperous new year in advance."
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