Nigerian Universities must explore alternative sources of funding outside their primary source which is the government in order to improve research and teaching which are the core focus areas of any University system.
This was the submission at Lagos State University, LASU 95th Inaugural Lecture with the title: ” Interrogating Multidimensional Crises in the Management and Funding of University Education in Nigeria: A Historian’s Perspective”.
The Lecture was delivered by Professor of Social History in the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts, Professor Ezekiel Oladele Adeoti at Buba Marwa Auditorium, main campus , Ojo, Lagos on Tuesday, 16th April, 2024.
Professor Adeoti noted that the need for alternative funding stems from the inability of government to sustain the funding of university education, which has become more complex by the widespread economic downturn and the effect of the Covid-19. This, he said has brought about certain crises such; Infrastructure Deficit, Irregular Migration also known as Japa Syndrome, Decay of Research and Innovation, Strike Actions by University Staff Unions such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, over welfare packages and adequate reforms.
The Historian listed alternative sources of funding for universities to include; Tuition, Running Remedial Programmes, Endowment Funds, Alumni Associations, Award of Honorary Degrees, Collaboration with Private and Government Agencies among others.
Professor Adeoti gave the following germane recommendations: “The provision of adequate funding for university education must be treated as paramount, no more, no less. Adequate financing of university education is antidote to the crises of nation-building Sustainable.”
“Within the next five years, more matrices must be established to gauge the requirements of Nigerian universities. This will involve a comprehensive evaluation of the academic institutions’ resources and needs concerning enrolment, their outputs in research and innovation, and their standing regarding teaching, research, and community development”.
“The federal government’s policy regarding wavering tuition costs at federal universities must be examined and re- examined. Parents and students must acknowledge the high expense of pursuing higher education and that things are changing. They should, therefore, accept that adequate finances are necessary for delivering high-quality education rather than viewing this as a political problem.”
“The government cannot be the exclusive source of funding for education at any level. As a result, the requirement for alternative funding for Nigerian universities is currently crucial, considering the increase in the expom of funding these institutions compared to the requirements that they adhere to international best practices.”
“Nigeria University administrators must further explores public-private partnerships, explore and facilitate external funding and operate an effective and efficient alumni database, which can help a lot to provide sustainable options in the running of the universities, especially in the raising of Internally Generated Revenue and provision of adequate facilities that can sustain academic activities.”
“Managers of higher institutions Vice Chancellors, must become more prudent with the meager contributions from government, students, and internally generated funds, which must be channelled appropriately towards providing quality teaching, research and national services that meet global best practices. Hence, an all-out war must be waged against the issue of corruption in the management of funds and misappropriation of funds in the institutions.”
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administrative), Prof. Adenike Omotunde Boyo, read the citation of the 95th Inaugural Lecturer.
Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Fanu took charge of proceedings with Professors and Deans from the Faculty of Arts, Wife and Children of the 95th Inaugural Lecturer, students and well wishers in attendance.
