Repositioning Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: TETFUND calls for more Efforts

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund TETFUND has emphasized the need to reposition the country’s tertiary institutions and Universities in the way they will receive global ranking.

The Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro made this known in Lagos during a Capacity Building Workshop organised by the fund on Requirements for Strengthening Nigerian Universities For Higher Global Ranking.

Prof. Bogoro said that Nigerian Universities are faced with a lot of problems including poor investment, decaying infrastructure, corruption and political interference amongst others which he said had been hindering the progress and performance of the Universities in the global ranking of world Universities.

According to him, Universities in the country need strong measures in place and efforts of well meaning Nigerians to get revamped.

”To be competitive, Nigerian universities must as a matter of urgency put strong measures in place to ensure that all lecturers must aim to have a Doctorate of Philosophy as an essential requirement for teaching and research, develop strong democratic leadership in their administration,  have a collaborative association with industries, foreign universities, linkages, and donor agencies in multiple capacities that increase funding for research, teaching and other essential facilities,” he said.

Global ranking
The Chairman Board of Trustees TETFUND, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam stated that Nigeria is blessed with the most brilliant minds across the globe hence, the need to boost the education system to attract the global ranking it deserves.

”If you look at the list of the first 1,000 Universities in the world, only two to three universities will appear on that list; that is of a great concern to us. Nigeria is the giant of Africa and it is universally acknowledged that most brilliant minds across the globe are all Nigerians. Let us join to boost the education system in the way it will attract the global ranking it deserves,” he stated.

One of the participants, Femi Oguntoso expressed the hope that the narratives will change soon with such a well attended and impactful workshop.

The workshop has its theme as ‘Requirements for Strengthening Nigerian Universities for Higher Global Ranking and Knowledge Economy.’

Nneka Ukachukwu