Between NUC And Illegal Universities

The recent revelation by the National Universities Commission that as many as 34 universities operating in Nigeria, do so illegally should worry, all well-meaning stake-holders hoping for a more dependable university system.

In fact, like all human endeavous Universities being citadels of knowledge should be such that bequeaths an enviable legacy and heritage that will endure through the seasons. And from all intent and purposes, universities represent that enduring legacy. This is to say that the extent to which universities succeed in leaving a legacy for future generations, especially in our clime, depends largely on their vision and mission.

Universities, as it were, should have a vision imbued with hope and a mission to galvanise a beleaguered nation (as in our case) to greater heights. What then can be said of Nigeria where some 34 illegal educational institutions, obviously lacking the wherewithal for proper and conducive learning and academic progress, are reportedly operating without the pre-requisite federal government approval? What does it mean to secondary schools leavers, to Nigeria and to future generations of this country?

It is trite fact that the quality of an educational institution determines its products. And of course well-established and well equipped educational institutions are parameters to achieving quality education.

It therefore tingles the ear to hear that some of the 34 illegal institutions include campuses of universities in the United Kingdom, United States, Ghana and Benin Republic.

NUC’s executive secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie who disclosed this recently said the commission had already closed seven other illegal universities operating in the country while investigations into and court cases against nine others were on.

Revealing that the relevant law enforcement agencies had been informed of the necessary action, the NUC boss warned the public, especially parents and prospective under-graduates, to steer clear of the institutions as certificates obtained from them would not be recognised for any purpose.

The Tide is saddened by the fact that Nigeria has this frightening number of illegal educational institutions in its shores when it should be counting the blessings of its educational endeavours 50 years after independence.

We are indeed worried about the danger this poses to the development of our nation particularly now that our university system ought to have stabilised.

For sometime, satellite universities have been the issue and some of them have been shut because of the same danger posed to the education system.

It is surprising and in fact, mind-rending that the NUC, after its many years of existence, stayed aloof, and watched the system plunge into this depth of mire which seems difficult to salvage. It is indeed disturbing that some employers of labour have for the same reasons, at various times questioned the quality of the products of our tertiary institutions and most times, find them unfit for employment.

It is on this note that The Tide believes that all the talk about the falling standards of education in Nigeria point to the crass negligence that has crept into the very vital sector, and so entrenched, the rot, paints of the system one that has totally lost its relevance, in dire need of reform the system appears to have lost its savour.

It is this failure to lay a more solid foundation through well-planned and implemented educational policies that has given impetus to the proliferation of illegal universities in Nigeria. This must stop now!

The Tide believes that in spite of the sad state of affairs in the education sector, all hope is not lost yet, given the robust and all encompassing reforms being pursued by the present administration. Even at that, the NUC must go a step further than raising alarm by unmasking those behind these illegal institutions and prosecute them to serve as a deterrent to others. Students on their part, should make proper inquiry before seeking admission into such universities to avoid wasting their hard-earned resources. In this way, we would be saving the education system from total collapse.