The Federal Government, headed by President Bola Tinubu, has been urged by the House of Representatives to act quickly to bring back the former splendor of Nigeria’s first-generation universities, such as Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, the University of Ibadan, and the University of Nigeria in Nsukka.
Aderemi Oseni (APC, Oyo) sponsored a motion that was adopted during Wednesday’s plenary session, which was followed by the resolution.
Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the resolution, “Need to Upgrade First-Generation Universities and Investigate the Quality and Standards of TETFUND Projects Across Federal Universities in Nigeria.”
Oseni pointed out that the first-generation colleges, which were founded in the early 1960s, used to be the height of academic achievement, with top-notch facilities, highly skilled instructors, and an atmosphere that won praise from all over the world.
However, their once-enviable status has been undermined by decades of neglect, insufficient support, and deteriorating infrastructure.
He bemoaned the state of these universities’ lecture rooms, residence halls, and auditoriums. On the other hand, once-thriving establishments like the university zoos, which were previously popular tourist destinations, are either nonexistent or abandoned.
The member also voiced concern over the subpar Tertiary Education Trust Fund intervention projects, claiming that, in contrast to buildings constructed more than 60 years ago, many recently finished projects are already exhibiting indications of deterioration.
In order to guarantee value for money and accountability in the use of public funds, the House decided to carry out a thorough examination of the caliber and standard of TETFund projects carried out in federal universities.
The National institutions Commission, TETFund, Federal Ministries of Education and Finance, and development partners were also asked by lawmakers to work together on strategies for modernizing and restoring first-generation institutions.
The House also ordered its Committees on University Education, TETFund, and other pertinent authorities to look into finished and continuing projects in higher education institutions nationwide, make sure that standards are being followed, and report back within four weeks for additional legislative action.
According to reports, the universities, which were mostly founded in the early 1960s during the period of independence, include ABU, UI, UNN, and others. They are Nigeria’s oldest and most esteemed Federal institutions.
At first, they were the standard for intellectual excellence in Africa, drawing students and academics from around the world.
These institutions have endured “decades of neglect, poor funding, and infrastructural decay,” according to the motion.
Their “once envied status” has been lost as a result of this ongoing decline, which has also lowered their place in the world and their capacity to compete globally.
