The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has called for urgent reforms to address Nigeria’s alarming university admission shortfall. Currently, only 22-25% of the two million annual applicants secure admission, leaving over 75% without access to higher education.
Speaking at a recent meeting with Vice Chancellors of Federal Universities in Abuja, Dr. Alausa outlined bold measures to bridge this gap. Key among these is the compulsory adoption of hybrid learning models by 2025 and the integration of Anthology Blackboard technology by the end of the year. Universities’ access to ICT intervention funds will be tied to their compliance with these initiatives. He emphasized that leveraging technology is particularly crucial in conflict-prone regions, where physical attendance is often disrupted.
Beyond technology, the Minister urged institutions to prioritize specialized education to close the nation’s widening skills gap. He also proposed collaborations with private developers to expand student accommodation outside campuses, helping to ease the housing crisis. Dr. Alausa made it clear that these reforms are not optional, signaling a decisive push toward modernization in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
In response, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, clarified that JAMB only enforces quotas set by regulatory bodies, particularly for professional courses like law and medicine. He echoed the call for urgent restructuring, stressing the need to align education policies with national development goals.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors, Prof. Tanko Yusuf, acknowledged the need for reform but also highlighted the challenges plaguing Nigerian universities. Prof. Yusuf advocated for increased investment, curriculum modernization, and better staff remuneration to foster a more supportive and dynamic learning environment.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to improving Universities, reflecting the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s tertiary institutions and increase Students admissions.
