Poor Funding, Bane Of Higher Education – VC

The Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State has identified poor funding and unconducive learning environment as the bane of Nigeria’s higher institutions.

Speaking with newsmen recently Egboka described as sad the learning environment in the country and lack of interest in funding by both the state and federal governments, adding that there was no basis for comparism between Universities abroad and Nigerian universities.

“In some residential universities, the hotels are poorly-managed, many students live in a room where utilities in form of water, energy supplies, hygiene and sanitation etc, may be lacking. The students are poorly-fed, sometimes on one meal per day, they may lack adequate security”.

He said government at all levels, university administrators, students’ union governments, parents and others should meet at a national forum to take full stock of the country’s education sector.

Furthermore, he noted that the situation where the children of the rich study abroad while the universities here are locked down is unacceptable.

The unhealthy trend, argued Egboka, strained relationship between the university trade unions and government which sometimes results in trade disputes that must be discouraged.

He cited the Lincoln University style of administration as a shining example for Africa to learn from.

“Our governments at various levels and lovers of education nationwide should meet at a national forum to take full stock of our educational life, problems and prospects with the 7-point agenda of the President and the road map of the Minister of Education and decide how to upgrade the standard of tertiary education in Nigeria comparable to what now obtains at Lincoln and other world class universities.