The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it intends to hand over public universities to private investors.
During the Second Quarterly Engagement of the Ministry with Heads of Units and Chief Executive Officers of parastatals and agencies under the Ministry, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, clarified the government’s stance.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had accused the federal government of planning to transfer federal universities to investors through public-private partnerships.
Read Also:
“There is no plan to sell off universities to investors,” stated Prof. Mamman. He explained that the government’s policy supports transnational education, which involves attracting global investment to enhance the tertiary education system.
The Minister emphasized that rumors about privatizing universities are unfounded. He assured that the government values public institutions but acknowledges the need for reforms. The private sector’s involvement is essential, as private universities outnumber public ones in Nigeria.
Prof. Mamman highlighted the importance of allowing international operators to establish or collaborate with local universities to foster global competitiveness in the tertiary education sector.
