At the 22nd convocation ceremony of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) in Edo State, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to establishing more universities across Nigeria.
His remarks came amid criticisms from some Nigerians who believe the country has enough tertiary institutions.
Maiyaki argued that Nigeria’s growing population and relatively low literacy levels necessitate an expansion of its university system.
“The commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, as a matter of deliberate policy, will encourage expansion of our universities and approve more,” he said.
He emphasized that while increasing the number of universities, maintaining the quality of education remains non-negotiable. “What the commission would not do is compromise the quality of university education in the country,” Maiyaki assured.
Citing studies and statistics, Maiyaki noted that additional universities are vital to unlocking Nigeria’s vast potential. However, he urged Nigerian universities to address critical issues such as staff capacity building, governance, and infrastructure development.
“There is also a need for the review of our curriculum, application of ICT, and massive expansion of facilities,” Maiyaki stressed. He also called for the restoration of stability in the academic calendar by avoiding unwarranted industrial actions, which have disrupted learning in the past.
Maiyaki advocated partnerships and international collaborations to integrate Nigerian universities into the global educational landscape.
Meanwhile, Igbinedion University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, celebrated the institution’s accomplishments over the past year. He revealed that 55 of the 855 graduating students earned first-class honors and highlighted the institution’s strides in digitalization, accreditation, and expanded admission quotas for professional courses, including medicine, pharmacy, and nursing sciences.
Ezemonye reaffirmed the university’s dedication to maintaining its reputation as a center for academic excellence, stating that all its courses have received full accreditation from the NUC and other regulatory councils.
The convocation, which honored academic achievements and charted a path for the future, underscored the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s higher education system.
