House of Representative Lawmakers move to revive Nigeria’s oldest universities, probe TETFund projects amid concerns over neglect, poor funding, and decaying infrastructure
The House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take immediate and decisive action to restore the lost glory of Nigeria’s premier universities, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; the University of Ibadan; and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, among others that once stood as symbols of academic excellence across Africa.
This call came after lawmakers adopted a motion sponsored by Aderemi Oseni (APC, Oyo) during Wednesday’s plenary session. The motion, titled “Need to Upgrade First-Generation Universities and Investigate the Quality and Standards of TETFUND Projects Across Federal Universities in Nigeria,” received overwhelming support from members of the House, reflecting widespread concern over the state of the nation’s higher education system.
Oseni, in his presentation, lamented the deplorable condition of Nigeria’s oldest universities, many of which were established in the early 1960s, around the time of the nation’s independence. He noted that these institutions were once regarded as the benchmark for academic quality on the continent, attracting international scholars, researchers, and students due to their world-class facilities, qualified lecturers, and strong academic reputation.
However, he observed that decades of neglect, underfunding, and poor maintenance have eroded the reputation these universities once enjoyed. Lecture halls, hostels, and laboratories that once embodied academic prestige have deteriorated, while many important campus facilities, including university zoos that were once popular tourist sites, now lie in ruins or have completely vanished.
The lawmaker also raised alarm over the poor quality of some recent projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), noting that many of them are already showing signs of structural weakness and decay despite being newly completed. He compared these modern constructions unfavorably with buildings erected over sixty years ago, which still stand firm today.
In light of these concerns, the House resolved to conduct a thorough investigation into the quality, standard, and overall execution of TETFund projects in federal universities nationwide. The aim, according to the resolution, is to ensure accountability, transparency, and value for public funds spent on educational infrastructure.
Lawmakers further called on the Federal Ministries of Education and Finance, the National Universities Commission (NUC), TETFund, and relevant development partners to collaborate in developing a strategic framework for rehabilitating and upgrading the country’s first-generation universities.
Additionally, the House directed its Committees on University Education, TETFund, and other relevant bodies to investigate all completed and ongoing projects in federal tertiary institutions, verify their compliance with required standards, and submit a detailed report within four weeks for further legislative consideration.
Members of the House stressed that these institutions, once the pride of Africa and the foundation of Nigeria’s higher education system, must not be allowed to collapse further. They argued that revitalizing ABU, UI, UNN, and other first-generation universities is crucial not only for the nation’s intellectual advancement but also for restoring Nigeria’s global academic reputation.
By prioritizing funding, enforcing project standards, and renewing the infrastructure of these historic universities, lawmakers believe Nigeria can once again position its institutions among the best in the world and rekindle the spirit of academic excellence that defined its early years of independence.
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