The trouble with Nigerian universities: bogus policy and speculative ideology

Abstract

There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigerian public universities and no less privately owned universities are facing a lot of challenges. Such problems that now characterise our universities include indiscipline, poor funding and inadequate facilities, examination malpractices, demonstration and rioting, secret cult activities, drug addiction, sexual immorality, theft, corruption and maladministration to mention just a few. Added to this is the problem of policy inconsistencies, mis-match and lack of a well articulated ideology that will underpin Nigerian educational system and ultimately stimulate national development and growth. The paper attempts to show, among others, that the challenges confronting contemporary Nigerian Public Universities do not lie on the alleged abdication of functions by lecturers. Rather the problem lies squarely on government’s insensitivity in terms of proper funding and provision of facilities, coupled with policy mis-match and ideology are responsible for the problems in the University sub-system and education in general. An unwavering commitment by the government and all the stakeholders to the goal of education and the deployment of moral education provide the best option for the resolution of the myriad of challenges facing Nigerian public universities.