The proliferation of universities across Nigeria will not in any way, contribute to reducing the quality of education but will rather improve the quality.
This is according to the Chairman, Board of Trustees, University on the Niger, Umunya, Oyi Council Area of Anambra State, the Rt. Rev Dr. Owen Nwokolo.
Many have criticized the establishment of multiple universities, arguing that with the development, standards are compromised to allow students entry unlike what was obtained when there were fewer higher institutions.
They believe that the proliferation of universities stems from the commercialization of education by not just the government, but also private individuals and groups, who are in the business to make money, rather than impact knowledge.
The development where the cut-off marks and other criteria for entry into the Universities are reduced minimally, also appears to lend credence to the insinuations.
There is also the angle that efforts should be focused on improving the quality of education in the existing Universities, especially in terms of infrastructure and personnel.
But reacting to the position in an exclusive chat with TNC correspondent in Onitsha, the Right Reverend Nwokolo, disagreed with the opinions, insisting that the country still needs more universities to cater to the teeming population in need of quality education.
According to him, the proliferation of universities has no doubt beefed up the quality of tertiary education, especially with the involvement of private investors in the sector.
“We need more universities because the number of Nigerians, young people who take JAMB and do not get admission to the universities, is still on the high side.
“Ignorance is a disease and we cannot continue to condone it in this country.
“So, we need more universities in every state, in every local government, so that people will be educated and learn,” he insisted.
Bishop Nwokolo however noted that what should be done is for government to strengthen the National Universities Commission, NUC, to effectively play its supervisory role towards universities.
This he noted, will ensure that the universities adhere to set standards in tertiary education.
“We must know that the NUC has a critical role and this is what government must dedicate efforts towards.
“If you do not meet the requirements to operate a university, you should not be allowed to run such a facility. Periodically, the NUC should conduct accreditation and verification exercises to ensure that the universities keep up with trends in the education sector.
”If the private investors and churches have the resources to provide the kind of quality education citizens require, they should be encouraged to establish more universities, to take care of the massive population of young people seeking admission in the universities,” he said.
Nwokolo, who is the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, also spoke on the University on the Niger, Umunya owned by the Diocese, saying that it was established to address the challenge of lack of quality education and morals in tertiary education.
According to him, the University has engaged professionals to manage it and offers quality services at an affordable rate.
He also revealed that the University has floated scholarships for first entrants in seven courses, through the support of a philanthropist.
“The University on the Niger, Umunya in collaboration with a renowned Philanthropist has announced Tuition Scholarship, which may be renewable every year for the first 10 qualified applicants into each of the following courses.
“They include Radiography. Religious Studies, Psychology, Dental Therapy, Health Information Science, Public Health and Forensic Science.
“Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply through the University website www.uniniger.edu.ng.
“Applicants must have scored at least 150 in JAMB, have at least 5 Credits in relevant subjects including English and Mathematics, and changed their institution of choice to University on the Niger on the JAMB portal or submit an application form to University on the Niger admission officer at the take-off site at Ozalla hill Onitsha.
“We also encourage more people to assist with scholarships for the indigent, so that nobody will be denied quality education, on the basis that they could not afford it,” he said.
