Former Minister of Education, Professor Chinwe Obaji, has called on state governments to place a moratorium on the establishment of new universities, aligning with the Federal Government’s recent decision to suspend the creation of additional federally owned institutions.
In an interview with Nigerian Tribune, Obaji stated that both federal and state governments should prioritise improving existing universities rather than adding to the growing number of underperforming institutions.
“There is no need for the establishment of a new public university at both federal and state levels at this time—and even private universities as well,” she said.
She noted that Nigeria currently has no fewer than 286 universities, many of which are struggling with low enrolment and limited academic staff.
Obaji criticised lawmakers for proposing new universities in their local constituencies without proper feasibility studies, warning that such efforts only add to the strain on an already overstretched system.
“Every lawmaker at both the National Assembly and various state assemblies are putting up bills canvassing for the establishment of one university or the other in their villages without bothering about their viability,” she added.
While noting that the Federal Government’s directive primarily targets federally owned institutions, Obaji urged state governments to consider adopting similar measures to help prevent further decline in educational quality. She also called for stricter oversight of the private sector to ensure new universities meet required standards before licensing.
