In a recent engagement with heads of units and chief executive officers of parastatals and agencies under the Ministry of Education, Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, clarified the government’s stance on the alleged plan to hand over public universities to private investors.
He categorically stated that there is no intention to sell universities to investors, but rather to embrace transnational education as part of the government’s educational reforms.
Addressing the concerns raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Mamman emphasized that the government’s policy allows for transnational education, which aims to open up tertiary education in Nigeria to global competitiveness.
He highlighted the importance of private sector participation in tertiary education, noting that there are more private universities in the country than public ones.
While reaffirming the government’s belief in the value of public institutions, Prof. Mamman stressed the need to learn from other countries that have benefited from international institutions.
He encouraged international universities to establish themselves in Nigeria either independently or in collaboration with local universities, as this would bring in expertise, exchange opportunities, and financial benefits.
The minister emphasized that the engagement with heads of agencies and parastatals was aimed at reviewing progress, addressing challenges, and strengthening the educational landscape of the country. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that reforms are in place to meet the needs of the nation.
With this reaffirmation of the government’s dedication to public universities and its embracing of transnational education, Nigeria might be set to enhance its tertiary education system, and raise standards to compete on an international level.
