REPS SEEKS UPGRADE OF ABU, UNN, UI
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HOTJIST NEWS
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to take prompt measures to restore the former prestige of Nigeria’s first-generation universities, which include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; the University of Ibadan; and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, among others.
This resolution came after the passage of a motion put forth by Aderemi Oseni (APC, Oyo) during Wednesday’s plenary session.
The motion, titled “Necessity to Enhance First-Generation Universities and Examine the Quality and Standards of TETFUND Projects Across Federal Universities in Nigeria,” garnered substantial backing from lawmakers.
Oseni remarked that the inaugural universities, founded in the early 1960s, formerly epitomized the zenith of scholarly distinction, showcasing premier facilities, exceptionally qualified instructors, and a setting that garnered international acclaim.
Nevertheless, years of disregard, insufficient financial support, and infrastructural deterioration have diminished their previously admirable standing.
He expressed regret that lecture theatres, dormitories, and conference halls in these institutions have declined significantly. In contrast, once lively facilities like the university zoological parks—formerly popular tourist destinations—are now either deserted or nonexistent.
The legislator additionally voiced apprehension regarding the substandard quality of Tertiary Education Trust Fund intervention initiatives, claiming that numerous recently finished projects are already exhibiting indications of deterioration, unlike edifices constructed over sixty years prior.
In response, the House resolved to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the quality and standard of TETFund projects executed in federal universities to ensure value for money and accountability in the use of public funds.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Ministries of Education and Finance, the National Universities Commission, TETFund, and development partners to collaborate on modalities for rehabilitating and upgrading first-generation universities.
Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on University Education, TETFund, and other relevant bodies to investigate completed and ongoing projects in tertiary institutions across the country, ensure compliance with standards, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The motion directly references the fact that these institutions have suffered “decades of neglect, poor funding, and infrastructural decay.”
This continuous decline has led to the loss of their “once enviable status” and has diminished their global standing and ability to compete internationally.
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