Executive Director in charge of Networks at Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Ifeoluwa Oyedele, has described the current model of funding University education in Nigeria as unsustainable, stressing that there is a need for government and stakeholders to think outside the box.
He added that contrary to popular belief that the number of higher institutions in the country was getting too much, Nigeria with its population needs more institutions.
Oyedele stated this in his speech after he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Engineering (D.Eng) by the management of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State.
Speaking on the incessant strike actions embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Oyedele advised that the Government and ASUU need to be sincere with each other to end incessant strikes.
According to him, while the government should be open on all issues, ASUU must show an understanding of the financial position of the government.
He said: “Both parties must come to the painful realization that the present model of funding University education is not sustainable and therefore there must be a new thinking outside the box. The issue of autonomy should be revisited so that universities can use their talents to generate more funds.
“The failure of government to implement agreements freely entered into with ASUU is unacceptable.
Government must take steps to implement such agreement and where it cannot, it must quickly seek renegotiation and not wait until ASUU declares another strike before revealing the reasons why it is unable to implement agreed terms.
“I do not think ASUU is using strikes as a tool to blackmail government but it is only reacting to bureaucratic delays that makes government not to be responsive to its demands.”
On the increasing number of varsities in the country, he stated: “While I agree that NUC appears to be granting too many licenses for the establishment of private universities, I am not sure it can be attributed to compromise. Nigeria with its population needs more institutions. However, there must be corresponding number of lecturers and top rate facilities.
“The truth is that Nigerians are good at presenting documents that can persuade any organisation to issue approval. What NUC needs to do is that it must graduate its approval process so that when an applicant meets the conditions in one stage it can proceed to the next stage until final approval is given to commence the programs. Innocent students should not be used as guinea pigs for running a University.”
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