The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Abubakar Rasheed, has appealed to the Federal Government to improve the funding of tertiary education in Nigeria.
Rasheed made the statement during the 2023 National Reunion Conference of Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA), saying that the major challenge confronting the sub-sector is gross under-funding, which affects teaching, learning and research.
The NUC chief who spoke on the theme of Funding of tertiary education in Nigeria, Issues, trends and opportunities, urged the government to inject more money into the system.
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Rasheed, who was represented by Prof. Shehu Ado, said that poor funding of the sector contributed to the low education standard.
He solicited private sector involvement in education, saying the government alone cannot do it.
He said the universities are producing graduates who lack skills for employment and creative ability.
He identified other challenges confronting the sub-sector to include obsolete equipment and incessant disruption of the academic calendar.
He said while the government needs to increase funding, institutions should endeavour to identify other areas where they could get funds to continue their work.
Yusuf Ali, who chaired the occasion, tasked the government at all levels to look at other funding parameters for tertiary education.
He also stressed the need for parents to be ready to pay fees.
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