The Senate and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have urged for the creation of more universities in Nigeria to meet the increasing demand for higher education. This call was made during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund in Abuja on Monday.
Key stakeholders, including Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, sponsor of the Federal University Okigwe Bill, and Mr. Chris Maiyaki, Executive Secretary of the NUC, emphasized the urgent need to address the shortage of university spaces.
Maiyaki pointed out that Nigeria has only 275 universities, public and private, serving over two million prospective students annually. This leaves over 1.3 million students without the opportunity for tertiary education. In comparison, countries like Indonesia, Russia, Brazil, and India have far more universities relative to their populations.
Senator Dandutse highlighted that the proposed Federal University, Okigwe would improve access to education in Imo State and contribute to national development. Similarly, Senator Ndubueze noted the transformative impact the university would have on Okigwe, a town that has long been without federal recognition.
