ABUJA—The Federal Government, yesterday said Nigeria was still in dire need of more universities to accommodate the teeming youths seeking admissions into tertiary institutions in the country.
Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, stated this in Abuja, while presenting provisional licences to two private universities- the Edwin Clark University Kiagbodo, ECUK, Delta State and Hezekiah University, Imo State.
Shekarau said it was imperative for the nation to establish more universities to accommodate most Nigerian students as only 40 percent of those seeking admissions were enrolled in schools.
Presenting the licences to the owners of the proposed universities, Shekarau, stressed the need for their sustenance even as he warned that ‘’quality should not be compromised…’’
His words, “Nigeria is still in dire need of more universities and the system is not able to address up to 40 percent of its enrolment.
“As the number of universities increases, quality of services in our universities must be improved upon.”
He, however, said that the licences can only be issued to well-managed institutions after three years of probation.”
Speaking in an interview with newsmen sahortly after the ceremony, the Chairman of Chief Edwin Clark Foundation, Ambassador Akporode Clark said the university would provide leadership and ensure good standards.
“In our area which is neglected (Ijaw) there is no private university. We believe the birth of this university, will have a multiplier effect on our society.
“We are determined to sustain this university. We are determined to make the university a success because we see it as a major contribution and we are quite confident in sustaining our efforts,” he said.
The university has also proposed an initial enrolment of 500 students in the take-off faculties and a total students’ enrolment of 6,360 at the 10th year anniversary. From: www.vanguard