Pro-chancellors of state-owned universities have identified poor funding and frequent strikes as critical challenges undermining the advancement of higher education in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 7th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, themed “Effective University Governance: Role of Stakeholders,” held in Lagos, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, highlighted the severe funding issues plaguing these institutions.
Gambari said, “The primary funding source for universities in this category is the state government.
“In today’s challenging times, state governments are grappling with numerous pressing issues such as insecurity, unemployment, pension payments, and low investments in health and infrastructure.
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“Managing and meeting the needs of universities amidst these demands is an arduous task.”
Gambari, who resigned as chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU) due to the state government’s failure to provide subvention for the university’s first three years, emphasised the urgency of addressing these funding gaps.
He urged pro-chancellors to forge partnerships with stakeholders to salvage higher education.
Senator Joshua Lidani, the committee’s chairman, echoed these concerns, highlighting issues such as university proliferation, inadequate funding, and delays in reconstituting governing councils.
He emphasised the detrimental impact of these challenges on the integrity and functionality of Nigeria’s education system.
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