By Chukwumerije Aja, Enugu
On Nov 16, 2023
President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has emphasized the need for comprehensive legislation and increased funding for tertiary education in Nigeria to tackle the array of challenges facing the sector.
Akpabio made this assertion during his address at the 19th Convocation Ceremony of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on Thursday.
Represented by Sen. Osita Ngwu, the Senate Committee Chairman on Solid Minerals, Sen. Akpabio highlighted the lack of enrollment access, poor quality of outputs, insufficient funding, and deteriorating infrastructure as primary issues hampering tertiary education in Nigeria.
Other critical issues identified include inadequate research and innovation, ineffective governance structures, external interference, graduate unemployability, and inadequate investment in e-learning infrastructure.
According to Akpabio, “the establishment of comprehensive legislation to regulate tertiary education in Nigeria is pivotal for the sector to surmount its challenges and realize its full potential. Such legislation will ensure quality standards, enhance access and equity, promote research and innovation, safeguard student rights, and address funding constraints.”
“By investing in and regulating tertiary education, Nigeria can nurture a skilled workforce, propel economic growth, and secure a brighter future for its citizens. Let us collectively advocate for the creation of comprehensive legislation to regulate tertiary education in Nigeria and lay the groundwork for a prosperous and inclusive future. Increased budgetary allocations and alternative funding sources are imperative for Nigerian higher education institutions for various reasons,” Akpabio stated.
Furthermore, ESUT Vice Chancellor, Prof Alloysius Okolie, expressed dismay over the inadequate funding of the institution and outlined plans to prioritize skills acquisition within the academic curriculum.
“We are charting a course where we will emphasize 40% academic content and 60% skills acquisition and capacity building in the coming years. We are set to enter into partnerships with numerous international organizations. We are also enlisting experts in shoe making and textiles from Aba,” Okolie explained.
“These initiatives will be implemented through public-private partnerships. This is the way forward. Our emphasis now is on enhancing employability. We aim to make our students the preferred choice for employers,” Okolie affirmed.
