Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, warns the Federal Government against hastily approving new universities.
He stresses that prioritizing quantity over quality risks eroding educational standards nationwide.
Speaking at a research workshop, Babalola criticized unchecked licensing of institutions lacking proper facilities or capacity. He lamented the rise of “mushroom universities” producing poorly trained graduates, calling it harmful to Nigeria’s future.
He contrasted today’s lax approvals with past rigorous processes under Prof. Peter Okebukola’s NUC leadership. Previously, universities faced strict scrutiny before offering programs like Medicine or Law.
Now, Babalola argues, an “anything-goes syndrome” dominates, with over 270 universities and 200 more proposals pending. He warns this fuels educational decline, asserting, “Poor education is worse than illiteracy.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Okebukola urged universities to boost global rankings through international research partnerships. Collaboration, he said, drives innovation and elevates institutions like ABUAD.
Prof. Damilola Olawuyi highlighted ABUAD’s journal efforts to promote sustainable development research. The journal, recognized by African and global platforms, empowers scholars to adopt business-minded approaches.
ABUAD’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, thanked partners for supporting workshops on open-access publishing and research ethics. She pledged to enhance African scholarship’s global visibility.
Babalola reiterated that quality education underpins national development, urging thorough vetting of new universities. “Approval processes must prioritize infrastructure and faculty competence,” he insisted.
Stakeholders echo his concerns, linking educational decline to weak oversight and overcrowded institutions. They demand reforms to curb exploitation of students and protect standards.
The workshop underscored the urgency of merging research excellence with policy action. Without it, Nigeria’s graduates risk remaining uncompetitive in global markets.
As debates intensify, Babalola’s warnings spotlight a critical crossroads: Will Nigeria invest in quality education or perpetuate systemic failure?
Educators agree sustainable progress requires prioritizing merit over political expediency.
