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Special Report : “More Universities, Less Funding: The Paradox of Nigeria’s Higher Education”

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4 months ago

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The long-standing rivalry between the Federal Government of Nigeria(FGN) and the Academic Staff Union Of Universities(ASUU) has caused a lot harm than good. And for the fact that the essence of the feud borders on a call for good renumerations for the serving lecturers is what so many people find disturbing. Don’t they deserve a good pay? Are they demanding too much? Or, are there no resources to meet those demands?

Questions like the ones posed above have made people react differently to the prevailing fight between the duo. But the one thing worrisome about the whole saga is the students being at the receiving end.

For over a decade, there have been strike actions by the union, expressing dissatisfaction with the manner in which the federal government of Nigeria handles welfarism of its members. The strike, which always comes and goes intermittently, has caused a lot of setbacks and disruption in the academic journey of many Nigerians schooling in the public universities.

Barring a last minute intervention, a fresh strike action by the union will be enforced before the year runs out. And as usual, students would be forced to go back home. Panels and committees had been inaugurated severally to discuss and arrive at an agreeable term between the two parties, but all to no avail. What must be done to settle this unending phenomenon once and for all?

On the other hand is the issue of mass proliferation of universities and federal polytechnics by the federal government of Nigeria. The current higher institutions of learning are barely being managed as they should be grossly underfunded. And the government is giving approval for the creation of other dozens of them. It could be said that it is a systemic move by the government, and the execution is being done geographically.

A detailed account of this development right from the administration of former president Jonathan, down to this very present government, will make it crystal clear that the government is indecisive in handling educational policies of this country.

Jonathan came into power and initiated the “one-state-one-federal-university” policy which gave rise to the creation of more universities during his tenure. Same way, the late president Buhari took over power in 2015 and approved the conversion of many existing agricultural colleges and institutions into full-fledged universities of agriculture and technology. Now, right from 2023 to date, the Tinubu’s administration has taken the same route as the previous two with the approval of nine new institutions in the first three months of this year.

However, in a sudden reversal, the Federal Government in August 2025 imposed a seven-year suspension on the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This came after the National Universities Commission (NUC) had earlier, in February 2025, declared a one-year moratorium on new private university applications. According to Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, the suspension was a “reset button” to halt the unchecked proliferation that was leading to a decline in quality. He explained that many federal institutions are underutilized—one with 1,200 staff has fewer than 800 students—while resources are overstretched and duplication has become rampant.

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The policy, however, did not stop the approval of nine private universities during the same Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in August. These were not new submissions but long-pending applications that had already passed evaluation before the moratorium took effect. Alongside this, the NUC is reviewing its guidelines for establishing private universities and intensifying its clampdown on illegal institutions.

On The Proliferation of Higher Institutions

Again, Dr. Auwalu Muttaqa expressed great dissatisfaction with the development, attributing the trend to one of the reasons behind their setbacks in the education sector of Nigeria:

“On the other hand is the growing concern amidst the creation of several universities and polytechnics in addition to the ones existing which are not being properly funded.”

“The lecturers are demanding for a descent welfarism which has not been met, instead the government finds it satisfying to create more of institutions which indirectly means more academics. Who does that? Does that even make sense?”

He also linked the proliferation to political interests:

“By the time each of those house of representatives or senators demands that a university or polytechnic should be created in their constituencies, everywhere would be flooded with dilapidated higher institutions because none of them cares for the proper funding of these institutions. And they do all that because of votes. They need something to campaign with.”

According to him, even the new moratorium by the government is a reactionary measure, not a well-thought-out policy shift:

“Let us tell ourselves the truth, there’s a serious brain drain issue in the education sector of this country, and nobody is willing to talk about proffering solutions to it now until it escalates to a point that will be uncontrollable. The suspension is good on paper, but without addressing funding and staffing, it changes nothing.”

In a stark contrast, Shola Sherif, a medical student, opined that the country is currently not capacitated to accommodate students applying into various undergraduate programs, hence the reason why assenting to more creation of higher institutions of learning isn’t a bad thing:

“There are over 1.5 million prospective candidates of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board(JAMB) every year, and the federal, state and private universities combined can only offer admission to about 500,000 to 700,000 of these candidates. So, it’s, to me, the most sensible thing to do creating more higher institutions.”

In response, his colleague, Mubarak asked:

“They should keep on establishing more institutions while the existing ones are not being properly funded?”

And Shola replied:

“We seriously need to manage. Would you rather have those millions of brilliant minds waste at home because you need proper funding?”

The proliferation of universities and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria is a deliberate and accelerated policy trend that has been most prominent since 2000s, with a significant surge between 2010 and 2023 as discussed in the first part of this piece. According to some, as disclosed by Shola Sherif, the strategy is primarily driven by the need to address the critical and growing imbalance: the massive demand for university education versus the severely limited supply of admission space.

While on the other hand are those advocating for proper funding of these institutions or the newly established institutions should be scrapped; citing the shortage of academic staff in the country due to brain drain which will definitely make the new institutions created not only deficient in funding but also in academic manpower.

Also, others see the incessant strike actions by the Academic Staff Union Of Universities(ASUU) as a selfish attitude, urging them to resign if their demands are not being met. The issue, in all honesty, should be resolved amicably in the sense that both parties will be happy at the end.

At the heart of it all, however, lies the bone of contention: proper funding of universities and enhanced welfare and remuneration for academic staff. The underfunding of the higher institutions of learning is realistic, it’s not a hearsay. And the funding capacity by the government is never a big deal—what is lacking is the political will to prioritize education.

So the questions are:

Is the government willing to fund the various higher institutions of learning, and create enabling environments for the attainment of human capital development by the academics?

Should the academic staff who found the treatment from the government unsatisfying tender their resignation letter instead of embarking on strike every now and then?

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Malami’s Prosecution Not Personal–EFCC Boss

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9 minutes ago

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January 12, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has stated that the prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, is not driven by personal vendetta, clarifying that he inherited the case files upon assuming office.

Olukoyede made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, addressing public speculation about the anti-graft agency’s decision to bring corruption charges against the former justice minister.

The EFCC boss explained that investigations into Malami’s alleged financial misconduct predated his own appointment and emphasized that the commission is obligated to pursue all credible cases before it, regardless of the individuals involved.

“I have nothing personal against Malami. I met those files on the ground. These are inherited cases,” Olukoyede said. “The EFCC is an institution, and it does not operate on sentiments or personal interests. Once there is a case file and sufficient grounds to proceed, we are obligated to follow due process.”

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He further noted that the EFCC’s mandate requires continuity, adding that changes in leadership do not invalidate ongoing investigations or prosecutions.

“When you come into an office like this, you inherit assets and liabilities. You also inherit investigations. The law does not allow us to pick and choose who to investigate or prosecute based on personal relationships,” he stated.

Malami was arraigned by the EFCC in December 2025 before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges related to money laundering and financial crimes. He was docked alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe.

The trio faces a 16-count charge centering on allegations of unlawful asset acquisition, diversion of public funds, and laundering of proceeds believed to have been obtained corruptly during Malami’s tenure as attorney-general from 2015 to 2023.

Malami has denied all allegations, pleading not guilty in court. His legal team has described the prosecution as politically motivated and vowed to challenge the case.

Olukoyede, however, dismissed claims of a political witch-hunt, reiterating that the EFCC’s actions are strictly evidence-based and governed by the rule of law.

“We do not prosecute people because of politics. We prosecute cases. The courts are there to determine innocence or guilt,” he said.

The EFCC chairman assured the public of the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging that all suspects would be treated fairly under the law, irrespective of their status or previous office.

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Atiku Condemns Activist’s Arrest, Warns of Escalating Crackdown on Dissent

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4 hours ago

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January 12, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

In a sharp rebuke of the current administration, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of young activist Abubakar Salim Musa, framing it as a perilous escalation in the suppression of dissent under President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku’s statement on Monday followed a report by Amnesty International Nigeria, which revealed that Musa was arbitrarily arrested on Sunday. The human rights organization declared the detention unlawful and emblematic of a growing pattern of repression targeting critics of the government’s handling of the nation’s worsening security crisis.

According to the former presidential candidate, Musa’s only offence was his consistent and legitimate commentary on insecurity—a right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. “Rather than address these serious concerns,” Atiku said, “the government’s response has been to arrest him and subject him to what Amnesty describes as ‘bogus charges and a sham trial.’”

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He warned that the activist’s ordeal reflects a broader, alarming trend. Atiku noted that journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers, and National Youth Service Corps members have previously faced harassment, assault, or detention for criticizing the president or his family.

“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” Atiku asserted. “Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while its citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted, and intimidated for voicing criticism of their government.”

The condemnation comes as Nigeria approaches a critical general election period. Atiku cautioned that such repression creates an atmosphere of fear, making genuine political participation impossible for citizens and opposition groups alike.

He called on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights. Furthermore, he urged the government to halt what he termed a systematic campaign of intimidation against critics, journalists, and opposition voices.

Extending his appeal beyond Nigeria’s borders, Atiku urged the international community, particularly nations and organizations championing democracy, to hold the Tinubu regime accountable and demand an end to these violations. The statement positions the activist’s arrest as a focal point in escalating tensions over civic space and democratic freedoms in the country.

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Ganduje Expresses Displeasure Over Kwankwaso’s Remarks, Welcomes Abba Yusuf’s Anticipated Return to APC 

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5 hours ago

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January 12, 2026

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The former Governor of Kano State and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed strong dissatisfaction over comments made about him by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the remarks as inappropriate and deeply displeasing.

This was disclosed by the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’agundi,nim, while speaking with journalists. According to him, Dr. Ganduje personally conveyed his displeasure over the matter.

“Dr. Ganduje told me clearly that he was not happy at all with the comments made by Senator Kwankwaso against him,” Dan’agundi stated.

Dr. Dan’agundi explained that Ganduje accused Senator Kwankwaso of referring to him as“Maikyi” while addressing his supporters. The remark was allegedly made at a time when Kwankwaso was also accusing the Kano State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, of planning to take control of government institutions to use against political opponents.

“Ganduje made it clear to me that such statements were unnecessary, especially at a time when Kano needs unity, peace, and collective progress,” Dan’agundi said.

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According to him, Ganduje emphasized that the anticipated return of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the APC should have been an opportunity for reconciliation and cooperation among political leaders in the state.

“In Ganduje’s view, the return of the Kano State Governor to the APC should serve as a platform for all of them to come together, put aside differences, and focus on moving Kano State forward,” Dan’agundi added.

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje also noted that, given their age and political experience, both he and Senator Kwankwaso should now play the role of elder statesmen rather than remain engaged in political rivalry.

“He believes there should be no reason for continued conflict, as both of them have reached a stage where they no longer have personal political ambitions, having completed the constitutional limits of elective offices,” Dan’agundi quoted Ganduje as saying.

Speaking on the reported move by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to rejoin the APC, Dr. Dan’agundi described the development as a source of great joy and encouragement for the party in Kano State.

“It is a thing of joy for us. All APC leaders, stakeholders, and supporters in Kano State are happy and excited about the Governor’s return, and we are fully prepared to give him maximum support and cooperation,” he said.

Dr. Dan’agundi further revealed that preparations for officially welcoming the Governor into the APC are already at an advanced stage.

“At the national level, discussions have progressed significantly, and consultations are also ongoing at the state level,” he explained.

He attributed the temporary delay in finalizing arrangements to the Umrah pilgrimage undertaken by the Kano State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, as well as the absence of the party’s leader in Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who is currently outside the country.

“Once they return, a special meeting will be held with His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his delegation to conclude the process,” Dan’agundi assured.

He concluded by praying for peace and unity in Kano State.

“We pray that Governor Abba’s entry into the APC will bring lasting peace, progress, and development to Kano State and its people. We also pray that Senator Kwankwaso will appreciate the importance of unity and development and join hands with others for the greater good of Kano,” Dan’agundi said.

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