By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), recently expressed concerns about the state of Nigerian universities.
He mentioned the issue of provincialism in university administration, where top positions are often given to individuals from the same region as the university, instead of based on merit.
Oloyede said that this practice undermines the national character of universities, which should be institutions that promote universal values and attract students and faculty from across the country. He urged journalists to investigate this issue and hold university administrators accountable.
Also, Oloyede said that some universities are admitting students into professional courses like medicine and law without following proper procedures. This can lead to students being unable to complete their studies or pursue their chosen careers.
The issue of corruption and politicization in university administration is a long-standing one in Nigeria. It has been increased by the lack of funding and resources for education, which has led to a decline in the quality of education and the reputation of Nigerian universities.
Oloyede emphasized that restoring the national character of universities is important for the future of education in Nigeria. This requires a commitment to merit-based appointments, transparency and accountability in university administration.
The collapse of education is the collapse of a nation. A quote from a South African university notes, “Destroying any nation does not require the use of atomic bombs or the use of long-range missiles. It only requires lowering the quality of education and allowing cheating in the examinations by the students.” The consequences of this collapse are far-reaching, from patients dying at the hands of unqualified doctors to buildings collapsing due to poor engineering.
To address these challenges, Nigeria’s leaders must prioritize education and invest in its development. This includes providing adequate funding, promoting transparency and accountability and ensuring that university administrators are appointed based on merit rather than political connections.
