…Seeks Equal Recognition of Polytechnic, University Degrees
Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives has condemned the growing commercialisation of education in Nigeria’s higher institutions.
He warned that the practice has fueled unethical behaviors such as monetary and sexual exploitation in exchange for grades.
The Speaker also criticised the prevailing notion that university degrees are superior to polytechnic diplomas, stressing that no nation can achieve technological advancement without prioritising technical and vocational education.
He called for a paradigm shift in the country’s educational system, stressing the need to strengthen polytechnic education and promote skills acquisition to drive national development.
Abbas emphasized the need for Nigeria to harness technology as a key driver of national development.
He disclosed this on Friday while delivering a convocation lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, titled “From Crisis to Prosperity: Harnessing Technology to Drive Nigeria’s Transformation.”
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, and made available to journalists, Speaker Abbas stressed the strategic adoption and implementation of technological solutions to address the nation’s diverse challenges.
He also decried the prevailing societal perception that university degrees are superior to diplomas from technical polytechnics and colleges, pointing out that this mindset has fueled an overwhelming demand for university education at the expense of technical and vocational training.
“This perception has led to an overwhelming demand for university admissions, often at the expense of technical and vocational education,” he stated.
Speaker Abbas urged stakeholders in the education sector to prioritise policies that promote technical and vocational education, emphasising its crucial role in driving innovation and sustainable development.
He identified inadequate manpower and the declining quality of graduates as major challenges plaguing Nigeria’s education sector.
According to him, the issues are further exacerbated by the commercialisation of education, which has given rise to unethical practices such as the exchange of grades for money or sexual favours.
“These practices not only undermine the integrity of academic institutions but also erode public confidence in the quality of education being delivered,” he stated.
Abbas noted that the consequences of the systemic flaws are reflected in the consistently poor performance of Nigerian universities in global rankings.
To tackle these challenges, the Speaker emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions, including increased funding for higher education, better remuneration for academic staff, and expanded opportunities for professional development.
He also underscored the importance of enforcing ethical standards and implementing a transparent evaluation system to curb corruption within the sector.
He said: “In an era defined by rapid technological advancements reshaping economies and societies, Nigeria must harness these opportunities for growth and innovation. By strategically leveraging technology, we can address pressing challenges, drive economic development, and enhance the overall quality of life for our citizens.”
“As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria faces many socioeconomic challenges that hinder its development trajectory. Addressing these issues is crucial for the nation’s progress. This lecture focuses on how technology can transform Nigeria from a state of crisis to one of prosperity, offering innovative solutions to longstanding problems,” he said.
He added, “An erosion of technical skills essential for industrial development. Ironically, many university graduates find themselves pursuing vocational skills after graduation, such as hairdressing, makeup artistry, and catering, which could have been more comprehensively acquired through technical education.
“In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom and Germany have robust technical education systems, where polytechnics and vocational schools are integral to driving industrial innovation. Nigeria must learn from such models by strengthening its technical education sector to meet industry demands.”
The Speaker has expressed deep concern over the declining quality of graduates from Nigerian universities, attributing it to systemic decay, particularly the shortage and poor quality of academic staff.
He lamented that overcrowded classrooms have made it difficult for lecturers to provide personalized attention and quality instruction, ultimately undermining students’ learning experiences.
“Nigerian universities suffer from chronic underfunding, which has taken a toll on infrastructure, research capabilities, and overall educational standards,” he stated. “While the establishment of more universities aims to expand access to higher education, it often stretches resources too thin, compromising quality.”
“A more strategic approach should prioritize strengthening existing institutions through enhanced funding and resource allocation. This can be achieved by drawing insights from successful university funding models both globally and across Africa,” he stated.
The Speaker emphasized that universities worldwide employ diverse funding mechanisms to reduce dependence on government allocations.
He urged Nigerian universities to embrace this challenge by conceptualizing and developing a ‘Nigerian Innovation Corridor’, a framework that fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and government to drive research, innovation, and sustainable development.
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