Federal Government Clarifies Plans for Public Universities
In a recent statement, the Federal Government of Nigeria has denied allegations that it plans to hand over public universities to private investors. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made the clarification at the Second Quarterly Engagement of the ministry with Heads of units and Chief Executive Officers of parastatals and agencies under the ministry.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had accused the federal government of plans to hand over federal universities to investors through Public Private Partnership (PPP). However, Prof. Mamman emphasized that there is no plan to sell off universities to investors, noting that the government’s policy allows for transnational education.
According to Prof. Mamman, the transnational education policy is aimed at opening up tertiary education in Nigeria by attracting international investors and institutions to collaborate with local universities. He stressed that this move is not intended to sell off universities, but rather to enhance the quality of education and increase global competitiveness.
The minister pointed out that many countries, including those in Asia, have benefited from having international institutions in their countries, which has led to the exchange of standards and the influx of foreign investment.
Prof. Mamman also emphasized the importance of the private sector in the provision of tertiary education, noting that there are more private universities in Nigeria than public universities combined. He stated that the government is committed to working with the private sector to provide quality education to Nigerians.
The engagement with heads of agencies as parastatals was aimed at reviewing progress, challenges, and reaffirming commitment towards the educational landscape of the country.
In conclusion, the Federal Government has clarified that there is no plan to hand over public universities to private investors, and that its policy is aimed at enhancing the quality of education and increasing global competitiveness through transnational education.
