Home Features COVID-19: It’s time for govt to stop treating private varsities like orphans

COVID-19: It’s time for govt to stop treating private varsities like orphans

144

By IKENNA EMEWU

Dr. Ihechukwu Madubuike, former education minister told me the story of how the government of Shehu Shagari he served enacted law to birth private universities in about 1980.

This was later abrogated by the military junta of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari after it got power by robbery in December 1983.

However, after the return of the law to create private higher institutions, the Igbinedion University in 1999 came to the scene as the first this time. So we have been at home with private universities, polytechnic and colleges of education in the past 21 years.

These institutions, some 78 private universities, over 40 polytechnics and about 26 colleges of education owned by private Nigerians have not received very welcome treatment by the regulators and other agencies that supervise the smooth operation of Nigerian higher institutions. Beyond the issuance of operation licence and supervision of standards, the government of Nigeria looks away from the welfare of these institutions.

I am of the strong opinion that that is not friendly and to a large extent counterproductive. The private institutions are part of the society and our body of education sector just as all private banks, factories, healthcare facilities etc.

Whereas they are there for business, I think the government is not fair to deny them of every incentive it accords the public counterparts even when they also render services to the country.

The Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund) of the federal government has since inception closed a huge gap in funding and equipping public tertiary institutions – federal and state. This is a federal agency that has done well for the system and future of the country and doesn’t create divisions between the state owned and federal owned institutions even when the states are autonomous tier of government that runs its budgets and education policies, pays workers, places their fees etc. That is commendable as TETFund provides them amenities, research grants and other supports including teachers training and courses equally.

But why is the private school treated like an orphan? It is just bad that even private primary and secondary schools go through the same rejection at the state levels as if they are of no consequence to the society.

Truly, these private schools also play a great role in easing the burden of pressure of admission into the public institutions. Let’s leave aside the profits they make, but we can’t rule out some element of public benefit they also offer. No matter what parents pay to have their children pass through them, the human resource they provide for the country is for common good.

When a factory or manufacturing outfit comes on board, on paper at least, most of them depending on the sector they belong to, enjoy some government incentives, tax grace and other little encouragements. Let’s leave out the operability of these incentives, but they exist.

In the financial sector, the central bank provides support to commercial banks that make most profit among all private sector establishments. Many of them have been pulled back from the brink by the intervention of the central bank and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) The insurance commission does the same for insurance companies as the Securities and Exchange Commission provides support to stock brokerage firms etc.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) provides support to the companies under its regulation for better operation and results. Even the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is not left out in this.

So, why is the education sector totally different, or is this still our old tradition of making light of the importance of education in Nigeria?

It would not be a bad idea or any loss if the TETFund devotes even 5 percent of its budget to support the private universities, polytechnics and colleges of education and find a way of scheduling it to go round.

However, even if provision of infrastructure is out of reach, why would the lecturers in these private universities be excluded from research grants and other supports for trainings and capacity improvement when the same government and society require them to have quality manpower?

These institutions can only produce quality graduates with quality manpower to groom them. Regarding physical infrastructure, since they are also part of the requirements for accreditation and sustenance of their programmes, why deny them of any semblance of support?

I was moved to look closely at these issues after TETFund on about June 20 published the availability of its 2020 national research grants and specified it is for public institutions or universities. Why the exclusion?

In the global crises of the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of rules by the government are relaxed to give support to organs, agencies, sectors and organisations that form part of the larger society to assist them survive.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been announcing a lot of interest-free loans and other facilities to the SMEs and even individuals as palliatives this precarious time.

Few days ago, 17 commercial banks wrote the CBN to apply for the rescheduling of 32,000 loans to companies and individuals as palliatives.

I am yet to hear of any palliative the TETFund and Federal Ministry of Education have for any institutions, especially and including the private ones? How then would they cope with the existing vagaries without such institutional support?

At last, TETFund mandated public institutions to go ahead and acquire healthcare facilities in their domains as one of the conditions for reopening in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. The mandate directs that if any of the institutions makes arrangements to provide such as soon as possible, TETFund would refund the cost later. And no mention of the private schools again. That is not fair. We need to rethink this approach and be kinder in the way we view these issues. We can’t reasonably say the private schools won’t be possible avenue for the spread of the pandemic or that the private schools owners have the capacity to handle all these alone. If we succeed in safeguarding the public schools and students of private schools are exposed to danger, we wouldn’t have made positive impact in solving the challenge. Therefore, we should also provide them assistance in this situation.

Now the world and Nigeria are still at sea over how to conquer this pandemic, if for instance a private university or research body comes up with an answer, Nigeria would take the glory and also the benefits.

A young engineering student of a private university, the Gregory University announced producing power generator that runs without fuel. If that comes into use, the entire country would benefit and in our quest for advancement in all fields of knowledge, the private institutions are not ruled out.

The reason the government even created them is because they are sure they have some value to add. Since they are beneficial to us, we should also ensure they exist to assist provide valuable service to the system.

It is possible the private institutions produce about 10% of the graduates we turn out every year. These products of theirs are not rejected for national service, not rejected in the job market – public and private. We should therefore show better responsibility to ensure that such products are properly nurtured for valuable use to the society. They won’t get that top class quality until the institutions that produce them are encouraged by the government, not only in inspections to ensure standards but further in training their manpower especially the teachers to be of improved quality. We are also aware that one of the disincentives about quality lecturers taking up employment with private universities includes this denial of assistance for research and courses which the government provides the public institutions counterparts through the TETFund.

In this period every aspect of the society would be struggling or are already struggling for breathe of air to remain alive, the federal government should start rethinking its behavior towards these private institutions.

Credit: https://africachinapresscentre.org

RELATED ARTICLES

144 COMMENTS

  1. This is a great tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.

    Simple but very precise information… Many thanks
    for sharing this one. A must read post!

    Feel free to visit my site – Kerrie

  3. Hi! I know this is kind of off-topic but I had to ask.

    Does managing a well-established blog like yours take a massive amount work?

    I am brand new to writing a blog however I do write in my journal on a
    daily basis. I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my experience and thoughts online.
    Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers.
    Appreciate it!

    Here is my web-site … https://squareblogs.net/weaselshoe0/eight-ridiculous-guidelines-about-minecraft-server-hosting

  5. I am no longer sure the place you are getting your info, however good
    topic. I must spend some time learning much more or figuring out more.
    Thanks for magnificent info I was searching for this information for my mission.

    Also visit my web page :: lomcn.vip

  6. Hmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I
    guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say,
    I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing.
    Do you have any tips and hints for beginner blog
    writers? I’d really appreciate it.

    Also visit my page … http://www.wattpad.com

  7. First of all I want to say great blog! I had a quick
    question in which I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to know how you
    center yourself and clear your head prior
    to writing. I have had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there.

    I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally
    lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any
    ideas or hints? Appreciate it!

    Also visit my web site: discuss

  8. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?

    I mean, what you say is valuable and everything.
    Nevertheless imagine if you added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!

    Your content is excellent but with pics and videos,
    this blog could certainly be one of the best in its field.
    Terrific blog!

    my web site: http://www.dezobarieri.ge/user/yakstock5/

  9. I blog frequently and I really thank you for your
    information. This article has truly peaked my interest.

    I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new
    information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed
    too.

    Here is my web-site; discuss

  10. Thanks , I’ve recently been searching for information about this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I’ve came upon till now.
    However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure concerning the supply?

    Also visit my web site … http://www.giga101.com

  11. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway,
    just wanted to say excellent blog!

    Stop by my site – cutt.ly

  13. I am not sure where you are getting your information, but
    great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

    Here is my webpage … super hero costume

  14. Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?

    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no data backup.
    Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?

    My blog; https://notes.io/YCjy

  16. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it
    or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog.
    An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

    Also visit my page: discuss

  23. Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this webpage; this web site contains remarkable and genuinely good data for readers.

    Feel free to surf to my web site – OneHeroSuits

  26. I’m not sure exactly why but this site is loading very slow for me.
    Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?
    I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

    My page … itw99.com

  32. Hi! I’ve been following your blog for a long time now and
    finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Tx!
    Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic work!

    Have a look at my blog post – 8bitbay.com

  39. I am really impressed with your writing
    skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is
    this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either
    way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see
    a great blog like this one nowadays.

    my blog post – taksim.in

  41. I simply couldn’t leave your web site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info a person provide to your visitors?
    Is going to be again steadily to inspect new posts

    my website – backforgood.faith

  43. We are a bunch of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with useful information to work on. You’ve done an impressive activity and our entire neighborhood will probably be
    grateful to you.

    My blog post :: captain marvel costumes

  44. I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site.
    I really hope to view the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well.
    In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own blog now 😉

    My web-site; zippyshare.com

  46. Ahaa, its nice conversation on the topic of this article at this place
    at this weblog, I have read all that, so at this time me
    also commenting here.

    Feel free to visit my web blog; dokuwiki.stream

  48. Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot
    of spam remarks? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you
    can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any
    assistance is very much appreciated.

    Feel free to surf to my web page: https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/u/bestbest19

  49. What’s up mates, how is the whole thing, and what you desire to say
    on the topic of this piece of writing, in my view its in fact remarkable in support of
    me.

    my web page … mnasaty.net

  50. Right now it sounds like WordPress is the top blogging
    platform available right now. (from what
    I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

    Feel free to surf to my web site … catchypress.com

  53. An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been conducting a little
    research on this. And he actually ordered me dinner because I discovered it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the
    meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this issue here on your web
    page.

    Also visit my page: tsxxue.com

  56. When some one searches for his necessary thing, therefore he/she wishes to be available that in detail, so that thing is maintained over here.

    Here is my page … pbase.com

  57. Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
    Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
    I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure
    where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions?
    Thank you

    My web-site: canamkart.ca

  62. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will
    bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure
    I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

    my web blog hf2sdn.com

  66. always i used to read smaller articles or reviews that as well clear their motive,
    and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am reading here.

    Have a look at my blog post: fa668668.com

  72. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme
    in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done an impressive
    job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

    My site: londonchinese.ca

  75. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really recognise
    what you are speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit
    my web site =). We could have a hyperlink change agreement among
    us

    My web blog … odolbodol.shop

  77. I just couldn’t leave your site before suggesting that I actually loved the standard information an individual provide in your visitors?
    Is gonna be again ceaselessly in order to inspect new posts

    Feel free to surf to my blog post … discuss

  79. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and entertaining, and without
    a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something
    not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
    Now i’m very happy I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to
    this.

    Also visit my web blog :: https://repo.getmonero.org/boykite2

  80. Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book
    or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would appreciate
    your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

    Here is my webpage; malnaja7.com

  87. I appreciate, cause I found exactly what I used to be having a look for.
    You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
    Bye

    Feel free to surf to my site :: pbase.com

  89. Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired!
    Extremely helpful info particularly the final part 🙂 I deal
    with such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a very lengthy time.

    Thanks and good luck.

    Feel free to surf to my web blog … dubilinks.com

  91. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.

    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa?
    My site discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other.

    If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog
    by the way!

    Look into my page – http://util71.ru/user/pansyiris5/

  94. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.
    I will always bookmark your blog and may come back later in life.
    I want to encourage continue your great work, have
    a nice holiday weekend!

    my page; attack on titan costume

  97. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; we have developed some nice procedures and
    we are looking to exchange strategies with other
    folks, please shoot me an e-mail if interested.

    Look at my web site; toplist1.com

  99. Great goods from you, man. I have consider your stuff prior to
    and you are just too excellent. I really like what you’ve obtained right here, certainly like
    what you are stating and the best way wherein you assert
    it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it
    smart. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a tremendous website.

    Also visit my webpage … http://www.ultimate-guitar.com

  105. I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites
    really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back down the road.

    All the best

    Review my webpage git.sicom.gov.co

  106. If some one needs to be updated with most up-to-date technologies therefore he must be
    pay a quick visit this site and be up to date all
    the time.

    Visit my site – el-jeel.com

  108. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it
    is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire
    to suggest you some interesting things or tips. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read even more things about it!

    Also visit my blog black suit costume

  110. Hi there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone!
    Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
    Keep up the superb work!

    Feel free to surf to my website: splice.com

  113. I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I by no means discovered any interesting article like
    yours. It is lovely worth enough for me. Personally, if all web
    owners and bloggers made just right content material as you did, the net shall be much more
    helpful than ever before.

    Also visit my website … https://joypdf.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=243384

  114. I think this is among the most vital info for me. And i’m glad reading your article.
    But should remark on some general things, The website style is great, the articles is really excellent : D.
    Good job, cheers

    Also visit my web blog: mondaycobweb0.doodlekit.com

  115. I’m gone to inform my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this blog
    on regular basis to get updated from latest information.

    my page: zzb.bz

  118. Awesome things here. I am very satisfied to peer your post.
    Thanks so much and I am looking forward to touch you.
    Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

    Check out my homepage; discuss

  120. I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your content.
    The article has really peaked my interest. I will
    bookmark your website and keep checking for new information about
    once per week. I subscribed to your Feed too.

    Here is my site b3.zcubes.com

  121. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely
    well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of
    your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

    My page hot cosplay costumes

  122. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is required to get set up?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive.
    Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Cheers

    Check out my page; http://www.v0795.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=718653

  124. Greetings! I know this is somewhat off topic but
    I was wondering which blog platform are you using for
    this website? I’m getting sick and tired
    of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m
    looking at options for another platform. I would
    be awesome if you could point me in the direction of
    a good platform.

    Review my web-site; funsilo.date

  125. I was curious if you ever thought of changing the
    structure of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way
    of content so people could connect with it better.
    Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1
    or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?

    Here is my web blog … borsafix.com

  126. Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
    Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.

    I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas
    or suggestions? With thanks

    Feel free to surf to my web-site: discuss

  131. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you are
    a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and
    will often come back in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage one to continue
    your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!

    Also visit my website: https://pastelink.net/6i0wf9k6

  140. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know
    a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I
    think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both
    show the same results.

    my web page :: zemhe.com

  141. I’m not sure why but this blog is loading very slow for me.

    Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?
    I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

    my page – halo.wielun.pl

  144. Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while
    you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog web site?
    The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright
    clear idea

    Also visit my site … Michelle

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

© Copyright -2020 Law and Society Magazine
Exit mobile version