Tuesday this week, the one-week warning strike embarked upon by the Academic staff union of Universities came to an end. This is not the first and this may not be the last. Also, it may not be wrong to say that the Nigerian economy is on strike as recession technically means negative economic growth.

The University is the most recognized and highest arm of the tertiary institutions in any country. It would be okay to say that no nation can outgrow the growth pattern of its university (emphasis on it for the sake of this write-up). The fact that Nigerian university is suffering from acute failings and low productivity is clearly reflected in its low ranking among that of other countries in the world ranging from the developed to the developing ones.
The university system in Nigeria is unmistakably a larger symptom of what ails the nation. I will start with listing some of the challenges that are bedeviling this institution sector of any nation that wants to succeed. This article will be ably supported by some of my encounter either through media or as a direct observant.

First, the blueprint of the past has been abandoned. One of the foremost institution in Nigeria and one which prides itself as one of the most beautiful campus in Africa is a clear example of this fact. A first time visitor could not be marvel at the grand display of architectural knowledge that has made this institution a beauty even in this present time. Unfortunately, lack of maintenance has set in and buildings are falling apart and the walls bear little traces of their initial painting. Facilities are stretched thin as a result of the increase in the number of students seeking admission into these schools. The lack of maintenance has therefore affected the beauty and strength of this glorious campus. This is easily seen in a Nation where basic amenities are stretched thin as a result of surge in population.

Second, more money and less development. The reality is that cost of goods and services are increasing at a time when value is decreasing. This is a reflection of a system that has developed an appetite for huge funds. School fees are increasing but service is declining. Libraries are lacking books, hostels are overcrowded and students have to study in class-rooms bereft of comfort. Year after year, new students are made to pay thousands of naira as development fee yet there is little or no development. New buildings are most times funded by wealthy individuals, corporate organizations and government agencies most notably Tetfund. One may want to ask about the whereabouts of the money realized from school fees and other sundry charges. The university authority keep complaining about lack of funds. It is true that education is expensive especially in the present and that government have failed to invest as much as other countries, the reality is that there is wastage across the administrative level hence the little amount of money available for carrying out its functions.

Thirdly, lack of acting on innovative ideas and non-diversification of resources. Students across departments and faculties in their final year projects and post graduate theses come up with several innovative ideas which are often pushed aside for imported and well developed ones. If universities cannot handle innovations and apply them to solve their challenges, then it is time to forget it happening in the general society. It was recently reported that University of Ibadan will soon be generating possibly sixty percent of their energy from solar power. While it is a laudable project, it is instructive to note that the project will be done by a German firm. Unfortunately, we have professors in these areas. Also, universities are wont to depend on government and students for funding and this is sadly not enough. This boxed in mentality is replicated in establishing small companies such as pure water factory and bakery. This was heavily criticized by the former INEC chairman who is a professor of political science as a desperate move by universities to augment their finances. The move to a viable business is not bad but the reality is that the university ought to be innovative with its businesses rather than emulating those tried and tested ventures that can only result in little profits.

Finally, corruption has crippled the university system. This is evident in: the VC who has embezzled money, the fees whose purposes are not known or rather not met, the lecturers who are devious and bad, nepotism, unserious and lazy students earning good scores, collusion of student union authorities with administration etc. Corruption is the greatest vice that is troubling the university system and almost all previous problems discussed can be linked to this one factor. The fact that our greatest problem in Nigeria is evidently clear to all.

The truth is that there is no place that is free of corruption and other vices, but good institutions are known to put the laws governing them above any other consideration. The university system will continue to struggle as far as these challenges remain in place. While they struggle, Nigeria will continue to grow in a snail-like fashion.

Written by me.