A former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Emeritus Professor Olufemi Bamiro, has warned that institutions’ over-reliance on government funding, fuelled by the ideological stance of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has encouraged apathy and laziness on the part of individual institutions in the country.

Bamiro, in his presentation titled: ‘Realistic and alternative funding models and resource management for Nigerian universities,’ outlined the problem with funding and revenue generation in the country’s tertiary institutions.

He noted that there is a high level of unsustainable dependence on government for funding, which must be tackled through exploration of other sources of funding from key stakeholders.

The former vice chancellor pointed out that institutions’ continued reliance on government for funding, where education is portrayed as a public good, is out of tune with what is obtainable in today’s world.
According to him, too much dependence on government encourages apathy and laziness on the part of the universities, which results in their lukewarm attitude towards exploring other sources of funding.

Bamiro pointed out that the funding system is socially inequitable due to the absence, or near total absence of tuition, whose payment has been largely politicised with the no-tuition policy of government, denying the universities access to the most important readily available additional source of funding.

He advocated resuscitation of the scrapped National Education Bank, to support indigent students in addition to the operation of scholarships, students’ loan schemes and bursaries.

Bamiro noted that the present situation calls for needs-based budget for the consideration of government, and management of finances of the university in an optimal manner.

He also said the funding mechanism by the government requires the operation of a performance-driven system, with well-articulated key performance indicators as basis of fund allocation.

Acting Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, said there was an urgent need to enthrone a legacy of good governance values and principles.

He called on the governing councils to demonstrate good leadership and stewardship towards the growth of their institutions.