The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has pledged to take measures aimed at resolving the persistent issue of strikes in Nigerian universities. The committee’s Chairman, Rep. Abubakar Fulata, made this commitment during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC) and Vice-Chancellors of federal universities in Abuja on Tuesday.
Fulata emphasized the importance of such meetings, particularly given the new government, assembly, committee, and committee leadership. He highlighted that the House leadership had divided the previous two committees into six, with a focus on quality oversight.
The committee’s primary objective is to ensure the provision of quality, reliable, easily accessible, and rewarding university education. Fulata acknowledged the current challenges facing university education in Nigeria, including strikes, cultism, insecurity, drug peddling, and immoral acts.
Addressing these challenges requires collective efforts, intervention from the committee, and contributions from all well-meaning Nigerians, according to Fulata. In response, the acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Chris Maiyaki, acknowledged the numerous challenges faced by Nigerian universities. He expressed confidence that the National Assembly’s commitment would contribute to addressing some of these issues.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola asserted that Nigerian universities have the potential to emerge as the best in Africa.
