ASUU faults FG’s approval of new private universities

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities has faulted the Federal Government’s approval of new private universities despite its recent announcement of a seven-year moratorium on establishing new tertiary institutions.

ASUU, in a statement signed by its President, Christopher Piwuna, on Thursday, questioned the rationale for the move, saying access to university education in Nigeria was no longer a challenge.

He said, “ASUU also watched in awe as the Federal Government announced the seven-year moratorium; they proceeded to announce the establishment of nine new private universities.

“If we agree that access is no longer an issue, why is the NUC giving more licences to private universities?

“While ASUU acknowledges the rights of private individuals to establish universities, education must be tightly controlled to ensure quality.”

The union lamented what it described as the “scandalous proliferation” of universities, accusing past and present administrations of using licences as political patronage.

The statement added, “The government must therefore promote quality education and shun profiteering in the education sector. Punch