Address Longstanding Issues, Clarify Vision For Higher Education, Prof. Ochefu Urges Nigerian Government

ABUJA, THE NEWSHAUS –  Prominent academician and outgoing Secretary General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, has issued a stark call to the Nigerian government to address the systemic challenges facing the country’s university system.

In a pointed address, Prof. Ochefu emphasised the urgent need for a clear vision for higher education and a solution to the longstanding issues plaguing the sector, particularly the ongoing dispute between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the government.

“The current state of affairs is simply unsustainable,” stated Prof. Ochefu, highlighting the detrimental impact of the protracted ASUU strikes on the quality of education.

“We have seen numerous disruptions, leaving students and academic staff in a state of limbo and hindering the overall progress of the system.”

Prof. Ochefu, known for his expertise in educational policy and reform, went on to explain the need for a fundamental shift in the government’s approach to higher education.

He emphasised the critical need to move beyond the “massification” phase, where the focus has been on increasing student enrolment without a corresponding increase in resources and infrastructure.

“We have built capacity, in some cases excess capacity,” he said, highlighting the staggering numbers of students enrolled in Nigerian universities.

“Yet, we continue to operate with an outdated thought process and funding mechanisms that were designed for a different era. This is simply not sustainable.”

He pointed to the stark contrast between the small class sizes he experienced as a student, and the current reality of overcrowded classrooms with outdated teaching methodologies.

“The same ineffective methods are being used to teach classes that are three times larger, which is unacceptable,” he stated, underscoring the need for a comprehensive review of the system.

Prof. Ochefu urged the government to clarify its vision for the future of Nigerian universities and to actively engage in dialogue with ASUU and other unions to address the core issues that fuel the recurring disputes.

He stressed the importance of finding long-term solutions rather than engaging in temporary fixes.

“The government needs to be clear about what it wants to achieve with its universities,” he said. “We have 63 federal universities, and state universities outnumber that.

“This requires a fundamental re-evaluation of our educational philosophy to ensure a future where our universities can thrive and produce graduates equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”

Prof. Ochefu’s call for decisive action comes at a critical juncture, where the future of Nigerian higher education hangs in the balance.

The government now faces the weighty task of responding to his appeal and charting a new course for the country’s universities, one that prioritises quality, sustainability, and a future where students and educators can flourish.