The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has decried the declining quality of education in Nigerian universities.
The Speaker who also emphasized the need for proactive leadership and innovation to drive Nigeria’s progress, noted that the country requires thinkers and builders, not passive observers, to navigate its path to development.
Speaking at the Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) on Friday, Speaker Abbas, while delivering his lecture titled ‘From Crisis to Prosperity: Harnessing Technology to Drive Nigeria’s Transformation’, Speaker Abbas decried the declining quality of education in Nigerian universities, citing the shortage of qualified lecturers, poor remuneration, and overcrowded classrooms as major concerns.
He highlighted that the lecturer-to-student ratio in Nigeria far exceeds global standards, making it difficult to deliver quality education.
He said: “Underfunding has severely impacted infrastructure, research capabilities, and overall educational quality.
“While the expansion of universities aims to increase access, it often stretches resources too thin, leading to diminished quality.”
He also condemned the increasing commercialization of education, which he said has fueled unethical practices such as grade manipulation and academic corruption.
To address these challenges, Abbas called for targeted interventions, including increased funding for higher education, better remuneration and professional development for lecturers, stricter enforcement of ethical standards in universities, and the development of a ‘Nigerian Innovation Corridor’, a platform fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
According to him, Nigerian universities must move towards funding models that reduce reliance on government allocations while fostering partnerships that drive technological advancements.
The Speaker also criticized the prevailing mindset that places university degrees above technical and vocational education, arguing that this perception has led to an overemphasis on university admissions at the expense of essential technical skills.
“Many university graduates today find themselves learning vocational skills like hairdressing and catering after graduation—skills they could have mastered through technical education,” he noted.
He called for Nigeria to take cues from countries like the United Kingdom and Germany, where technical education plays a significant role in driving industrial innovation.
Strengthening the country’s technical education sector, he said, would help bridge the skills gap and meet industry demands.
Underscoring the critical role of youth in shaping Nigeria’s future, particularly through technological advancements, the Speaker described young Nigerians as the country’s “invaluable assets” and urged them to embrace digital innovation to foster national transformation.
He highlighted how technology can serve as a catalyst for economic and social development, noting that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, faces pressing challenges that can be effectively tackled through strategic technological adoption.
“In an age of rapid technological advancements, Nigeria must seize opportunities for growth and innovation.
“By strategically leveraging technology, the nation can confront challenges, stimulate economic development, and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens,” he said.
Speaker Abbas urged Nigerian youths to leverage digital tools for personal development and entrepreneurship.
He encouraged them to participate in coding boot camps, online learning platforms, and technology communities to sharpen their skills.
“The imperative for youth engagement is more pressing than ever in a global economy driven by technology and innovation,” he noted.
He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to supporting young innovators through funding initiatives, mentorship programs, and policies that promote technological entrepreneurship.
Reaffirming the importance of youth-led innovation in shaping Nigeria’s future, the Speaker called for sustained investment in technology and education, urging both the government and private sector to create an enabling environment for young talents to thrive.
“These initiatives will not only empower young Nigerians but also position the country as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.
“With a vision for a digitally advanced and economically strong Nigeria, Nigeria must embrace innovation, invest in education, and empower its youth to transition from crisis to prosperity,” he added.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of Honorary Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) on the Speaker.
