By Israel Ajenu
The Senate and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have emphasized the need for more universities in Nigeria to address the growing demand for tertiary education.
This call was reiterated during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, where stakeholders in the education sector voiced their support for the proposed Federal University, Okigwe, in Imo State.
In their remarks, Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, sponsor of the bill for the establishment of the Federal University, Okigwe, and Chris Maiyaki, Executive Secretary of the NUC, stressed the urgency of creating more universities to accommodate the educational aspirations of millions of Nigerians.
Highlighting the current deficit in university capacity, NUC Executive Secretary Chris Maiyaki provided compelling statistics:
“There are 275 universities—both public and private—for over 2 million prospective students seeking admission yearly. However, only 500,000 to 700,000 students gain admission each year, leaving approximately 1.3 million unable to access tertiary education. This creates immense frustration.”
Maiyaki further noted that the existing number of universities is grossly inadequate for Nigeria’s population of 200 million, comparing the country’s situation with nations like Indonesia, which has a similar population but boasts approximately 2,000 universities.
He added that the NUC is already implementing measures to expand regulatory frameworks and capacity-building efforts to accommodate more universities.
Senator Dandutse, in his remarks, stated that the proposed Federal University, Okigwe, would significantly improve access to university education for residents of Imo State and Nigerians in general.
Senator Ndubueze also highlighted the transformative potential of the proposed institution, emphasizing that Okigwe remains one of the few former provinces without significant federal presence. He noted that the university would provide the much-needed development the area has lacked for decades.
The hearing underscored a shared commitment to expanding Nigeria’s educational infrastructure to meet the needs of its growing population.
