As Nigeria’s population continues to grow at an alarming rate, experts are raising concerns about the country’s ability to provide adequate higher education for its citizens.
Professor John Laah, a renowned Geography professor from Kaduna State University (KASU), warned that the country needs to establish 800 universities to meet the academic requirements of its rapidly expanding population.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Laah emphasized that without significant expansion in the number of universities, many qualified students will continue to miss out on opportunities for higher education.
“The need for universities in Nigeria is urgent,” said Professor Laah. “We require 800 universities to meet the academic needs of our youth. By 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world. We must plan for that now by increasing the number of universities.”
A Growing Population and Limited Educational Access
Professor Laah painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current educational landscape. Despite thousands of students graduating secondary school and passing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams, many are unable to gain admission to universities due to insufficient spaces.
“At KASU, for instance, we cannot admit more than 27% of students who are qualified for various courses,” Laah explained. “If you look at other universities in Nigeria, you will see the same problem. Many students are left without opportunities for higher education.”
Laah noted that the lack of access to university education is directly linked to rising instability and insecurity in the country, including banditry and violent conflicts. He suggested that increasing access to education could help address some of these issues by providing young people with opportunities for a better future.
“The relationship between instability and lack of enrollment is clear,” he said. “When students cannot access education, it creates a fertile ground for social unrest and criminal activities.”
The Need for More Universities in Southern Kaduna
The professor also discussed efforts to address this challenge in Southern Kaduna, an area historically underserved by educational institutions. He highlighted the proposed establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna, which, if approved, would become the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Professor Laah revealed that the push for the university started in 2018 under Senator Danjuma Laah, his relative. “We initially advocated for a Federal University of Science and Technology in Manchok, but due to political and administrative delays, the bill was not passed,” he explained.
With the arrival of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, the drive to establish a university in the region gained momentum. Laah credited Senator Katung for pushing forward the idea of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, a town in Southern Kaduna.
“Katung picked up the challenge after his inauguration and within a month, we had the first reading of the Federal University of Applied Sciences bill,” Laah said.
The proposed university is intended to be a solution to the region’s educational and economic challenges. According to Laah, the university will not only provide higher education opportunities but also stimulate development in the area, which has long struggled with high unemployment and social unrest.
The Southern Kaduna Initiative
While the university was originally planned for Manchok, a shift to Kachia has been proposed to reduce costs and make the project more feasible. Laah explained that Kachia already has existing infrastructure that can accommodate the university’s needs, which would make the establishment process more cost-effective.
“We believe that Kachia is a better location for the university,” he said. “It has better infrastructure than Manchok, and the costs of setting up the institution there would be more manageable for the government.”
Laah is calling on all stakeholders, including government officials, the private sector, and community leaders, to support the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia. He believes that the university will not only benefit the people of Southern Kaduna but also provide educational opportunities for Nigerians across the country.
“We are urging everyone to join hands and support this initiative,” he said. “The university will provide much-needed education for our youth and contribute to national development.”
