Mr. Chris Maiyaki, the interim Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), has raised concerns about the limited capacity of Nigeria’s private universities, which, despite numbering 149, can only accommodate about 10% of the country’s university population. This revelation underscores the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education sector, particularly in terms of access.
During a recent meeting with a delegation from China’s International Institute of On-line Education (IIOE), a UNESCO-affiliated institute led by Professor Jiansheng Liang, Maiyaki highlighted the pressing need to address the growing demand for higher education in Nigeria. He noted that over two million students apply for university admissions each year, yet the existing institutions can only offer places to between 500,000 and 700,000 applicants, leaving a vast number of qualified candidates without opportunities for further education.
The IIOE delegation visited the NUC as part of an international cooperative effort to increase access to high-quality higher education resources and enhance the competency of teachers in higher education institutions, especially in developing nations like Nigeria. Maiyaki informed the delegation that the NUC’s efforts to broaden access to higher education have been gaining momentum, but acknowledged that much more needs to be done to meet the rising demand.
With 274 universities currently operating in Nigeria—comprising 62 federal, 63 state, and 149 private institutions—Maiyaki pointed out that the country is grappling with a significant access issue. The sheer volume of prospective students far outstrips the available spaces, creating a bottleneck that hinders the country’s educational and economic development.
Maiyaki emphasized the urgent need to close this gap, reaffirming the NUC’s commitment to supporting the establishment of new universities across Nigeria. This strategic initiative is seen as vital not only for meeting the growing demand for postsecondary education but also for improving accessibility and ensuring that more Nigerians can pursue higher education.
The NUC’s focus on expanding the higher education sector aligns with broader national goals of enhancing human capital development and fostering economic growth. By increasing the number of universities and improving the capacity of existing ones, the commission aims to provide more opportunities for Nigerian students to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the country’s development.
Maiyaki’s remarks also highlight the potential role of private universities in addressing the access issue. However, he acknowledged that while these institutions are crucial, their current capacity is insufficient to make a significant dent in the overall demand for higher education. This reality underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that includes expanding both public and private universities, improving infrastructure, and leveraging technology to offer more flexible and accessible learning options.
As the NUC continues to work towards these goals, collaboration with international partners like the IIOE will be key in bringing global best practices to Nigeria’s higher education system. Maiyaki’s meeting with the IIOE delegation is a step in the right direction, signaling the NUC’s openness to innovative solutions and international cooperation in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education sector.
