The Federal Government has stated there is no plan to hand over government-owned tertiary institutions, especially universities, to private investors. This clarification was made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during the second quarterly engagement of the ministry with heads of units and chief executive officers of parastatals and agencies under the ministry.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had previously accused the Federal Government of planning to hand over federal universities to investors through a public-private partnership. In response, Prof. Mamman emphasized, “There is no plan to sell off universities to investors,” clarifying that the government’s policy allows for transnational education.
Transnational education, according to Prof. Mamman, is a policy designed to open up tertiary education by inviting people from around the world to invest in the tertiary education system in Nigeria. He addressed the misinformation circulating about the government selling universities to private investors, stating, “This is an absolute lie and completely false.”
Prof. Mamman reiterated the government’s commitment to public institutions, despite the ongoing reforms needed in the country. He highlighted that the private sector plays a significant role in providing tertiary education, noting that there are currently more private universities in Nigeria than public ones combined. “What this government has done is to open up the tertiary education level, in particular, the universities for global competitiveness,” he said.
The minister stressed the importance of allowing international university operators to come into Nigeria to set up institutions, either independently or in collaboration with local universities. This initiative is not intended to sell existing institutions but to enhance educational standards and opportunities through transnational education.
Prof. Mamman pointed out that Nigeria must learn from other countries that have successfully integrated international institutions into their educational systems. “In other parts of the world, like Asia, they have benefited immensely from having international institutions in those countries,” he said. He explained that these countries have raised their educational standards and benefited financially through international collaborations.
The engagement with heads of agencies and parastatals, according to Prof. Mamman, aimed to review progress, address challenges, and reaffirm the commitment to improving the educational landscape in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, also highlighted the significance of the quarterly review meeting. He emphasized the need for education that equips graduates with character, knowledge, and skills. “We must champion a campaign that would produce graduates that would survive and fit into the 2024 century,” he said. Dr. Sununu added that this aligns with the African Union’s direction, as the year has been declared a year of education, focusing on providing lifelong learning experiences for Nigerians to ensure the country takes its rightful place in the global community.
Prof. Mamman further elaborated on the role of transnational education in Nigeria. He explained that it involves partnerships with international educational institutions, allowing for an exchange of knowledge, resources, and standards. This approach is expected to improve the quality of education in Nigeria, making it more competitive on a global scale. He stated, “The guidelines on transnational education have been in place to ensure that these collaborations are beneficial and uphold the integrity of our educational system.”
The government’s stance on maintaining public institutions while encouraging private sector participation is seen as a balanced approach to addressing the educational needs of the country. By opening up the sector to international players, the government aims to bring in new ideas, technologies, and methodologies that can enhance the learning experience for Nigerian students. This, in turn, is expected to produce graduates who are better equipped to meet the demands of the modern world.
In addition to attracting international universities, the government is also focused on improving the infrastructure and resources available to local institutions. Prof. Mamman noted that investment in educational facilities, research, and development is crucial for the overall growth of the sector. “We are committed to ensuring that our universities have the necessary resources to provide quality education to our students,” he said.
The engagement sessions with heads of agencies and parastatals serve as a platform for discussing the progress made in implementing educational reforms and identifying areas that require further attention. These sessions are part of the government’s broader strategy to create a robust and dynamic educational system that can adapt to changing global trends.
Dr. Sununu also emphasized the importance of aligning Nigeria’s educational goals with those of the African Union. He noted that the continent’s focus on education in 2024 presents an opportunity for Nigeria to lead by example. “We must ensure that our educational policies and practices are in line with the vision of the African Union, which aims to promote education as a tool for development and empowerment,” he said.
The Federal Government’s commitment to education is further demonstrated by its efforts to increase funding for the sector. Prof. Mamman mentioned that budgetary allocations for education have been increased to support various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education in the country. He also highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency in the utilization of these funds to achieve the desired outcomes.
The government’s approach to educational reform is comprehensive, addressing various aspects such as curriculum development, teacher training, and student support services. By adopting a holistic approach, the government aims to create an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Prof. Mamman stated, “Our goal is to produce well-rounded graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also possess the skills and character needed to succeed in life.”
In conclusion, the Federal Government has made it clear that there are no plans to hand over government-owned tertiary institutions to private investors. Instead, the focus is on leveraging transnational education to enhance the quality and competitiveness of the Nigerian educational system. Through international collaborations, increased funding, and comprehensive reforms, the government aims to create a dynamic and inclusive educational environment that prepares students for the challenges of the modern world.
