Tertiary Education Summit Highlights Urgent Need for Increased Funding in Nigeria's Educational System

 

TERTIARY EDUCATION SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS URGENT NEED FOR INCREASED FUNDING IN NIGERIA'S EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

 

By: Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo

The Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) hosted the inaugural Tertiary Education Summit yesterday, bringing together stakeholders from the Nigerian tertiary education sector to discuss the urgent need for increased funding in education. Professor Lilian Salami, Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin and Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of prioritizing education in the political agenda of the incoming administration led by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In her keynote speech titled "Fresh Ideas for Overhauling Nigeria's Tertiary Education Complex," Professor Salami highlighted several challenges hindering the growth and development of the Nigerian educational system. These challenges include inadequate funding, lack of basic infrastructure, wrong attitudes towards learning, insufficient welfare and incentives, and inadequate teaching facilities. While acknowledging the positive aspects of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPS) introduced by the outgoing government, Professor Salami also pointed out its shortcomings in effectively coordinating and administering higher institutions.

To address the current educational crisis, Professor Salami proposed solutions such as increased government funding for tertiary education at all levels, involvement of alumni bodies in funding and infrastructure provision, revitalization of scholarships, bursaries, and loans for indigent students, among other measures. She emphasized the invaluable role of online teaching and e-learning as fresh ideas to facilitate learning, reduce costs, and combat illiteracy in Nigerian society.

Mr. Michael Oluwadare Oluwatuyi, Chairman of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust, also highlighted the contributions of the annual Nigeria Book Fair Festival to the socio-economic and political development of the country. He called on all stakeholders, including political leaders, industry captains, school owners, administrators, sponsors, and partners, to become partners in progress and contribute to the rebuilding process of the Nigerian academic sector. Mr. Oluwatuyi stressed the importance of addressing the issue of brain drain, which poses a significant threat to the nation's development.

The Tertiary Education Summit, attended by dignitaries and eminent personalities from academia, publishing industries, policy makers, school administrators, book sellers, political leaders, and students, received widespread support and participation. The Nigeria International Book Fair Trust commends the efforts of all constituent bodies, sponsors, and partners for their contributions to the success of the event.

The Book Fair will continue tomorrow with additional programs organized by the Nigeria Publishers Association (NPA) and the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (Repronig), focusing on topics such as national book policy implementation and the role of stakeholders, as well as reproduction rights concepts, perspectives, and benefits.

The Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) is an annual event that promotes literacy, education, and the Nigerian publishing industry. It serves as a platform for intellectual discourse, cultural exchange, and the promotion of reading and writing in Nigeria.