The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued an alert regarding security threats on Nigerian University campuses. Dr. Biodun Saliu, NUC Deputy Executive Secretary, raised the concern during the 7th Annual Registry Lecture at Elizade University in Ilara- Mokin, Ondo State. Speaking on the subject “The Nigerian University System and its Many Challenges: The Way Forward,” Saliu remarked that the country’s current insecurity is an increasing issue to the country’s University systems.

He said that there have been documented incidences of security threats on Nigerian University campuses. “A number of Nigerian Universities have reported several incidences of kidnapping and abduction of University community members. Unfortunately, some academic staff members and students died in the process, while others are still missing. A few incidents of kidnapping have also been reported in various universities in the North, as well as around the country.

The rising insecurity in the country, which also affects our universities, is hindering teaching and research activities and undoubtedly the general well-being of the institution.”

Saliu also listed some of the challenges confronting the Nigerian university system, such as insufficient funding, infrastructural deficit, staffing deficit, including brain drain syndrome, poor remuneration, inability to prioritize curriculum re-engineering and relevance, governance and administrative issues. Others, according to him, include poor research and development, weak university-industry linkages and collaborations, undue interference by some professional bodies, an unstable academic calendar, inadequate access, the proliferation of illegal degree-awarding institutions, weak National Universities Commission laws, and disregard for National Universities Commission’s regulations.

However, the Deputy Executive Secretary stated that these challenges, while difficult, are not insurmountable. He advocated for more funding, legislative reinforcement of the National Universities Commission, prompt curriculum reengineering and review, timely reviews of quality assurance instruments by the National Universities Commission, and strategic planning to establish priorities.

He stated that “there should be improved budgetary allocation and release to public universities and improved subvention for private universities by their owners,” and that private university owners should cease to view their universities as profit-making ventures for at least the first ten years of academic activity. According to him, “more qualified academic staff should be employed in universities based on areas of need, provision of more infrastructural facilities in all higher institutions, expansion of access to university education, and improved content delivery of programs through the use of ICT enabled blended learning.”

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