NAE Advocates for State Control Over Federal Unity Colleges

The Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE) has called on the Federal Government to transfer the management of the country’s 115 federal unity colleges to state authorities, suggesting that comprehensive guidelines be provided to ensure effective administration. This recommendation was made during the NAE’s 38th Annual Congress in Abuja, themed “Nigerian Education System: Past, Present, and Future.”

NAE President, Professor Kabiru Isyaku, critiqued the federal government’s involvement in primary and secondary education, describing it as a “global anomaly.” He urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the education sector to address systemic issues, including the National Policy on Education, which has not been updated in over a decade. This, according to Isyaku, would allow for collaboration among experts to drive impactful policy reforms.

He further emphasized the importance of fair remuneration and timely salary payments for educational staff and highlighted the lack of coordination between federal and state authorities as a significant hindrance to progress.

In a keynote speech, Professor Nok Maicibi from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, raised concerns about corruption and resource mismanagement in the education sector, arguing that these issues are more damaging than underfunding. He also criticized the exam-focused teaching approach, which he said encourages unethical practices like grade manipulation through bribery.

In recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s educational development, Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), was honored by the NAE.