Re: Whither the Nigerian University System? III By Prof MK Othman

Re: Whither the Nigerian University System? III
By
Prof MK Othman

Given the dispute resolution brokered by the indefatigable Yayale Ahmed committee, with the strong support and determination of the President Tinubu administration to end perennial university workers’ industrial action, 2026 is the year of dream-realization for university workers in Nigeria.
Earlier, the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a Federal Government initiative, proved to be a strong tool for making tertiary education accessible to the majority of indigent students through a soft loan facility. NELFUND is more than a financial aid program; it is a beacon of hope for Nigerian students pursuing higher education.
Salute to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for enduring the struggle to achieve lofty gains and secure for university lecturers their due recognition – university autonomy, enhanced salaries, and allowances. Salute to the Minister of Education and his team for the amicable resolution.
As the said in the conclusion of the article, while the light is blinking at the end of the tunnel, ASUU members and other unions must persevere, and the Federal and state governments (executive, legislative, and judiciary) should vigorously implement the agreement to reclaim the rightful exalted position of the university system, enabling it to function effectively and make Nigeria great. May God of Heaven and Earth make our lofty dream of a vibrant university system a reality, amen.
Over the past three weeks, I explained the current state of the Nigerian university system and offered recommendations to address its challenges. My esteemed readers aired their views to provide broader perspectives on the system. I am sharing the edited version of my readers’ views. Happy reading.

Thank you, Prof, for the 3-piece article on the university system. Prof. Othman’s assessment is a sobering wake-up call that underscores how the erosion of university autonomy is directly linked to our national developmental struggles. It is particularly concerning to see how political patronage in the appointment of governing councils and chronic underfunding are eroding our institutions’ ability to produce ready-to-work professionals. If they continue to treat higher education as a political dividend rather than a national priority, we risk making Nelson Mandela’s warning about the destruction of a nation through poor education a reality. We must move beyond perennial strikes and convene a holistic education summit to develop a sustainable funding model that goes beyond student fees. It’s time for all stakeholders to realize that without a functional university system, our aspirations for security and economic prosperity will remain out of reach.
Dr Musab Ibrahim

Amen, sir. Let us pray that the Federal Government will honor and implement the agreement faithfully and on time. In fact, as you have observed, this is a pivotal period in the history of university education in Nigeria. For nearly 16 years, ASUU has been working to ensure the government implements this agreement through various channels, but met a brick wall until now, under Tinubu’s administration, when the issue was resolved and the agreement was agreed to be implemented. The government is commended for entering the agreement.
Prof. Jamilu Shehu

Thank you, Prof. This is very well articulated and educative. We hope for an end to the perennial strike actions. The parties involved should work diligently to ensure they fulfill their respective obligations under the agreement. When demand, especially in monetary terms, is too high and the government considers it a burden to honor it as a single item, phase it in gradually to avoid further tension.
All other unions not covered by the ASUU FG Agreement should also resolve their outstanding issues with the government to ensure the smooth operation of the university system. The unions should adhere to their entitlements during negotiations; they should not judge their demands against the ASUU agreement, as each category has its own peculiarities.
Aluta continua
Prof Sani Isiaku

Ameen, the sky appears less gloomy with the signing of this milestone agreement, and hope for the future appears brighter
Umar Bala

An excellent lesson for the Nigerians, thus, a master piece of column
Dr. Yunusa Yakubu

This is a timely reminder that the strength of our nation rests on the integrity of its universities, maigidana. May we continue to nurture institutions that produce not just graduates, but true custodians of knowledge and service.
Thanks for this inspiring piece, my VC.
Dr. Shafi’u Adamu

Well done, Prof. The piece is so enriching and inspiring. Keep it up, may your pen never dry, Sir
Yusuf Abdullahi Kakale

Aptly aired Sir
Omar Farooq

Well done, sir, this is very good enlightenment
Usman Sule Muduru

Well done, sir. May Allah make everything easy for us
Mustapha Abdulkadir

I would like to make one or two observations regarding membership and the council’s constitution.
1. The appointment of external members is made by the Visitor through the Minister of Education.
2. Convocation membership is not external its part of the University, just like membership from the congregation
Dr Sani Ibrahim