“The controversy of new universities in Nigeria: the divided opinion of teachers on the expansion of the education system”

Title: Nigeria’s New Universities Controversy: Teachers’ Divided Opinion

Introduction :
Higher education in Nigeria is at the heart of a heated controversy with the government’s proposal to create 47 new federal universities. While some see this initiative as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s education system, others, particularly university teachers, express serious concerns about the viability and quality of these new institutions. In this article, we will explore the arguments of ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) teachers and their concerns over the addition of new universities in the country.

The challenge of financing existing universities:
According to the President of ASUU, Professor Ayo Akinwole, the government is facing financial challenges in maintaining the quality of the already existing 52 universities in the country. Indeed, the university system faces problems with late payment of salaries and allowances, which raises questions about the government’s ability to finance new institutions. For teachers, it is essential to devote the necessary resources to the quality of existing establishments rather than diluting them by creating new universities.

The question of the objective of the new universities:
Teachers at ASUU are wondering what is the real objective of government in creating these new institutions. They question the relevance of this expansion as existing universities struggle to maintain high academic standards. According to them, if the goal is noble, the government would show more seriousness in the management of the universities already in place. ASUU thus calls on the government on its priorities and the need to support current universities before adding new ones.

The controversy surrounding the abolition of the IPPIS system:
Another major concern among teachers is the removal of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Although the government announced the removal of this payment system, ASUU teachers say they have not received any official communication on the matter. They also emphasize that the delays in paying salaries are not justified, as they continue to receive salaries according to the agreements negotiated in 2009.

Conclusion :
The controversy over new universities in Nigeria will certainly have significant repercussions on the country’s education system. While some see this expansion as an opportunity to strengthen access to higher education, ASUU faculty raise legitimate concerns about the viability and quality of these new institutions. It is essential for the government to take into account these concerns and ensure that the necessary resources are allocated to ensure quality education in already existing universities before embarking on new projects. Education is an essential pillar of a country’s development, and ensuring wise and sustainable investments are crucial to ensure a bright future for Nigeria’s youth.