Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for a significant expansion of Nigeria’s higher education system, emphasizing that the country should have at least 1,000 universities to accommodate its growing population and workforce demands. His statement comes following his recent visit to Indonesia, where he engaged with education stakeholders and policymakers.
During his visit, Obi noted that Indonesia, a country with a population size comparable to Nigeria, boasts over 4,000 universities, whereas Nigeria has fewer than 200 tertiary institutions. Citing Indonesia’s commitment to education as a model for Nigeria, Obi underscored the need for strategic investment in university education to drive national development.
“As we all know, the more educated a country is, the more developed it becomes,” Obi stated. “At the tertiary level, Indonesia has over 4,000 universities, while Nigeria has less than 10% of that—despite having a population that is about 80% of Indonesia’s. Based on this ratio, we should have at least 1,000 universities.”
Obi highlighted key lessons from Indonesia’s education system, particularly its success in achieving a 99% school enrollment rate through the strict implementation of a compulsory basic education policy. He also noted that the country allocates 20% of its annual budget to education, making it a critical pillar of national development.
“Education is the foundation of any progressive nation. Indonesia’s prioritization of education ensures that millions of children receive quality learning opportunities, ultimately translating to a more skilled and productive workforce,” Obi explained.
Nigeria currently has 125 public universities—63 owned by state governments and 62 federally funded institutions—according to data from Statista. The country’s limited higher education infrastructure, coupled with inadequate funding, has led to overcrowded lecture halls, insufficient learning resources, and declining educational standards.
Obi’s call for an increase in the number of universities aligns with his broader advocacy for systemic reforms in Nigeria’s education sector. He has continuously urged the government to prioritize human capital development by investing in educational infrastructure, increasing budgetary allocations, and fostering partnerships with private investors to establish more institutions.
While his statement has sparked nationwide discussions, some education experts argue that increasing the number of universities alone may not resolve Nigeria’s higher education challenges. They stress the need for improved funding, governance reforms, and policies that enhance the quality of education and research in existing institutions.
Nevertheless, Obi remains steadfast in his position that expanding access to university education is a necessary step toward national development. “Education is the best investment any government can make for its citizens. If Nigeria truly aims to compete in the global economy, we must take bold steps in expanding and strengthening our higher education system,” he concluded.
