The Senate and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have advocated for the establishment of more universities in Nigeria to address the overwhelming demand for tertiary education.

This call was made during a public hearing in Abuja on Monday, organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, focusing on a bill proposing the establishment of the Federal University, Okigwe, in Imo State.

NUC Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki, highlighted the significant shortfall in higher education infrastructure, revealing that Nigeria’s 275 universities are insufficient for over two million annual applicants, with only 500,000 to 700,000 gaining admission. Comparing Nigeria’s figures with countries like Indonesia, which has 2,000 universities for a similar population size, Maiyaki stressed the urgent need to expand the nation’s tertiary education capacity.

Senator Patrick Ndubueze, sponsor of the bill, emphasized the transformative impact of establishing the Federal University, Okigwe, which would improve educational access in Imo State and address longstanding regional disparities. Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chair of the Senate Committee, echoed these sentiments, noting that more universities are crucial for national educational and developmental progress.