What is your view on FG’s seven-year embargo on establishment of new universities, polytechnics, others?

The Federal Government recently declared a seven-year embargo on the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria to allow proper infrastructural development of existing ones. KINGSLEY ALUMONA, YUSUF ABDULKADIR and AYO AKANO sampled the opinions of Nigerians on this issue. Their views:

Collins Johnbull Odiase

We do not need new educational institutions. What we need is to upgrade the institutions’ infrastructure. Secondly, the human capital of the institutions should be adequately trained and remunerated. Additionally, the state governments should come up with similar policies. There are some states in Nigeria with about three universities, up to four polytechnics and colleges of education, and sometimes colleges of agriculture, health science and technology, and colleges of nursing science and midwifery, etc. I believe the seven-year embargo will enable the governments to invest in critical infrastructures and human resources in the institutions.

Terna Aloysius Azende

It is a good decision. Why? Because the number of tertiary institutions keeps increasing every day. This leads to a decrease in the standard of education. The government should standardise the already existing institutions and also prioritise the effort of lecturers, as it will give them a sense of value, and they will give their best. Actually, not having tertiary institutions in every local government is the utmost goal.

Daniel Funsho Tomi

I thought it was a wrong decision at first, but upon learning that many of the already established federal educational institutions, be it universities, polytechnics, etc, were not actually being used to their full capacity, especially the ones in the north, due to insecurity. The decision now made sense because what is the point of creating more tertiary institutions if the ones on the ground are not being used to their capacity? This is also a call to the Federal Government to secure all such places because, as there are reports of some being below capacity, there are also some punching above their capacity.

Akanbi-Bello Temidayo

This decision fails to consider the growing demand for access to quality higher education in our country. Every year, millions of young Nigerians apply to universities and polytechnics, but only a fraction are admitted because of limited spaces. Existing institutions should be given priority in terms of expansion, innovation, and proper funding. Many of them are struggling with decaying infrastructure, outdated facilities, and overstretched lecturers. At the same time, new institutions can be established gradually, but strategically in regions where they are most needed. Progress in education is not about multiplying institutions without proper planning, but about fixing what already exists while creating opportunities to meet the rising demand.

Okechukwu Emmanuel Nkemdirim

This decision is long overdue. Many of the federal universities we have are struggling with poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and declining standards. Instead of creating new institutions that we cannot properly sustain, it is wiser to focus on improving the quality of existing ones. Strengthening facilities, ensuring better welfare for staff and students, and raising academic standards should be the priority. In essence, my stance is clear: we need quality over quantity when it comes to higher education.

Musa Ridwan Ajibola

I support the Federal Government’s idea. Instead of creating more institutions, we should focus on existing ones, prioritising infrastructure. like classrooms, libraries, and laboratories. Quality over quantity. Enhance quality education in existing institutions, especially in practical fields like polytechnics. Focus on polytechnic education and improve practical education with hands-on training. I commend the government for initiatives like the student loan fund, which provides financial support for students. This can make education more accessible and support the development of the education sector. Let us prioritise quality and accessibility over quantity.

Benjamin Christopher Ehujo

The move by the Federal Government is a welcome development. On one hand, the policy could channel scarce resources into improving existing institutions, addressing poor infrastructure, staffing gaps, and declining quality. It may also encourage states and private investors to step in. On the other hand, the embargo could worsen access challenges, with rising youth populations competing for limited spaces. Balancing quality with accessibility might remain the government’s greatest challenge.

Toluwanimi Akinleye

The decision is a good move. It is high time the government stopped creating new schools and focus on improving the ones we already have. Many of our schools are in bad shape. They do not have enough money, motivated teachers, or proper facilities. It is a waste of resources to keep building new ones when the existing ones are struggling. This break will force the government to invest in improving the quality of our current institutions. It will make our degrees more valuable and our graduates better prepared for jobs. The case here is putting quality over quantity.

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