This move, as outlined by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki, has far-reaching implications for access and quality in higher education.
This move, as outlined by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki, has far-reaching implications for access and quality in higher education.
With 270 universities seeking licenses to operate in Nigeria, the country is poised to see significant development in its higher education landscape. This move, as outlined by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki, has far-reaching implications for access and quality in higher education.
The decision to open up space for foreign institutions to contribute to Nigerian higher education is driven by the forces of globalization. It recognizes the need for universities to possess international attributes, reflecting the interconnected nature of education in today’s world. Dr. Maiyaki highlighted the guidelines on transnational education that enable foreign universities to participate actively in expanding access to university education within Nigeria.
One aspect of this development is the coexistence of universities within Nigeria while simultaneously receiving applications for new private universities. This underscores the commitment to expanding access to higher education. The NUC’s implementation of six competitive models for these universities demonstrates a forward-thinking approach.
Maintaining education quality amid expansion
However, Dr. Maiyaki emphasized that expansion should not compromise the quality of education. To maintain quality, the NUC has implemented mentoring universities, older institutions assigned to guide newer ones. This strategy aims to ensure that the necessary infrastructure and academic support are in place.
The NUC’s focus on postgraduate development is commendable. Scaling up doctoral training for staff and enhancing pedagogical skills are crucial steps to meet the evolving demands of higher education. It aligns with the vision of creating a robust ecosystem for learning.
The call for stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the challenges associated with expansion is essential. Nigeria’s status as a destination for foreign universities is highlighted by the global presence of Nigerian students pursuing higher education. The idea of foreign universities partnering with Nigerian institutions promises mutual benefits, especially considering factors like foreign exchange constraints and cultural diversity.
The British Council’s involvement in this initiative is noteworthy. The Director of Programmes, Chikodi Onyemerela, stressed the importance of strengthening quality, pedagogy, research collaboration, and other components of the university system. In a globalized world, competition and opportunities transcend borders, making benchmarking against global practices a necessity.
Bridging the great divide
Transnational education, in this context, becomes a powerful tool for bridging geographical, cultural, and educational divides. It reflects the evolving landscape of higher education, where institutions operate across borders, leveraging digital technologies and globalization.
The perspective from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, highlights the urgency of reevaluating funding models for higher education. As the population grows and the demand for access to higher education increases, sustainable funding mechanisms are crucial.
Prof Fatima Batul Mukhtar, the Vice Chancellor of Azman University, Kano, underscores the potential benefits of transnational education. The pioneering of unique programs, such as Aviation, and the collaboration with foreign universities for expertise via online teaching, showcase the practical implications of this initiative.
The Federal Government’s decision to accommodate foreign universities and expand higher education opportunities in Nigeria is a significant step forward. However, it must be done with a keen focus on maintaining quality. Collaboration among stakeholders, both locally and globally, will be key to addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by transnational education.
This endeavor has the potential to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria and position the country as a hub for international educational collaboration.
