In a pragmatic move, President Bola Tinubu has decided to stagger the launch of 14 new universities, which were originally approved during his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari’s, tenure.
The reason behind this measured approach is the financial constraints that currently hinder their simultaneous establishment.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, shortly after a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
During the press briefing, Minister Mamman explained that the decision to phase in these universities is rooted in the government’s commitment to providing adequate support for their successful operation.
Moreover, Mamman hinted at a shift towards a more “conservative” stance regarding future approvals for new universities. This suggests that while the government acknowledges the importance of expanding educational institutions, it also recognises the need to be fiscally responsible.
He elaborated on the situation, stating, “And then there are quite a number of universities and institutions that were approved in the last days of the last administration, and because of issues of funding and even staff, it may not be prudent to get these institutions to take off altogether at once. So Mr. President has directed that we stagger their commencement and their takeoff so that the government can properly support them.”
This decision highlights a commitment to ensuring that these institutions are not just established but also provided with the necessary resources and support to thrive.
It reflects a measured approach to growth and development, acknowledging the challenges of establishing and maintaining quality higher education institutions in Nigeria.
In the grander scheme of things, President Tinubu’s choice to stagger the launch of these universities is a testament to his administration’s prudence in navigating the complexities of financing and managing an expanding higher education landscape in Nigeria.
It underscores the importance of maintaining the quality of education, even in the face of ambitious expansion plans. As the new universities take shape over time, it is expected that they will play a pivotal role in the nation’s educational development.
Source: TheGuardian