The National Universities Commission (NUC) plans to announce the approval of two new universities next week, increasing the national total to 272. This move aims to address the significant admissions gap in the country.
Nearly 2 million students seek university admission annually, while available spaces range from 500,000 to 700,000. Acting Executive Secretary Chris Maiyaki defends the expansion, citing the need for “massification” of universities like developed nations. He mentions countries like Brazil and Indonesia with significantly more universities despite smaller populations.
See also: NUC Approves Niger State University Of Education
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other stakeholders advocate for increased funding for existing institutions rather than establishing new ones. Maiyaki emphasizes the ongoing effort to maintain quality through monitoring new distance learning centers and attracting foreign universities for transnational education.
He clarifies that charging tuition in dollars is illegal for all Nigerian universities, addressing rumors about a specific private institution.
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