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Goals and challenges of tertiary educational service delivery

1 week ago 29

By Olu Obafemi

It is indeed a privilege and an honour to be requested to participate in an important such as this by a private University with such a huge nomenclature of continental dimension but with which I can hardly boast of any attachment. To be thus asked to come on board and into contact must be by the grace of my friend and colleague, Professor Barclays Ayakoroma, one of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors of the University. I enjoy and enduring and highly cherished relation with Barclays dating back to nearly two decades as cultural works/activists/administrators and as professional theatre workers and scholars. As a cultural Administrator, Barclays maintained his enduring love for scholarship and kept his date with research, teaching and publishing. That was the fascination between us and we went out of our official duties in culture management to collaborate in publishing a number of important books.

When I got called out by the Vice-Chancellor, himself a startlingly humble person, I had no doubt that whatever the source was, and indeed, by his own disarming simplicity of character, I certainly would have obliged him. It is therefore a great delight for me to be asked to participate in this Retreat, which I consider a very essential engagement and opportunity for educationists, teachers and service deliverers at the tertiary educational level.

Retreat, why Retreat, What for?

Time and space will not indulge me on any lengthy engagement with the notion of tactical withdrawal for Strategic alliance—which is my very precise definition for a Retreat—quitting the center of action to reflect and re-engage. This, in fact, is a military notion, originally but which has found regular application in many industries, enterprises and institutions. As I began to mention, the notion of Retreats was popularized by the military but has also been deployed by Christian churches for spiritual purpose. St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) established in its present/modern form with its variants in various religious sects such as Buddhist, Sufism for various meditative, rethink, withdrawal acts, reflective ends (https//en.m.wikipedia.org . In a nutshell, Retreat is a act of ‘giving up, yielding space, especially hot spaces to a quiet and secluded place’ where relaxation, contemplation and reflection is possible to re-strategize and resharpening arsenals. 

In the numerous challenges facing the academia in the tertiary institutions—funding, capacity building, delivery and reception strategies in the phygital (from the physical to the digital) age, socio-economic distractions, developmental derailment among the studentship and so on, I believe, the decision to embark on a Retreat, seeking solitude and quietude for reawakening and rejigging is not only apt and rife but expedient. I therefore congratulate the management of this University for embarking on this temporary withdrawal for strategic alliance for the staff, management, in its task of service delivery for the students, its immediate community and the society at large.

World-class universities

All universities—be they public, Federal, State and private– bear and carry the burden of idealism, called vision and its implementation strategies called mission. These lofty aspirations are embedded in the drive world distinction, excellence which typify world-class-ness.  The compulsion towards the so-called ‘best practices’ (whatever they are) compel the notion of the ultimate in excellence in the key areas of their existence. What then are the ingredients, characterizing features of world class university. Which universities are the typifying prototypes of world class universities?  We must briefly explore these benchmarks before attending to the specifics of the tertiary education in Nigeria, how to design and build one in terms of the goals, challenges and opportunities inhering the system in Nigeria.

Imagine a bright, ambitious young Nigerian student, let’s call her Aisha-who secures admission into a prestigious university with aspirations of becoming an engineer. She arrives full of hope, ready to embrace the challenges of higher education, only to be confronted with overcrowded lecture halls, outdated textbooks, frequent strikes, and a glaring scarcity of practical learning resources. Despite her indomitable will and determination, the very system designed to nurture her potential instead becomes a barrier to her success. Unfortunately, Aisha’s experience is not an isolated one; it mirrors the harsh reality faced by millions of students navigating the huge problem of tertiary education in Nigeria.

As we gather today to discuss the “Culture of Distinction: Strategies for Building a World-Class University,” it is essential to acknowledge that a university cannot achieve global excellence if its internal systems, ranging from service delivery to infrastructural support, remain grossly inadequate. It is an axiomatic fact that tertiary education is the bedrock of national progress, shaping the human capital required for innovation, governance, and economic advancement. However, Nigeria’s higher education sector continues to grapple with systemic inefficiencies and resource deficiencies that significantly undermine its capacity to provide the high-quality education necessary to propel the nation forward.

This systemic malaise not only hampers the intellectual development of students like Aisha but also impedes the country’s broader goals of sustainable development and global competitiveness. In this context, our conversation must go beyond mere critique and focus on actionable strategies that can elevate the higher education system to one of world-class standards. Only then can we begin to unlock the immense potential of our youth, who are the true agents of change for the future.

It is an undeniable truth that education is the cornerstone of any nation’s progress, and universities are the driving force behind this intellectual engine. Tertiary education, ideally, should serve as a catalyst for economic growth, social mobility, and technological advancement. Unfortunately, for Nigeria, the higher education sector remains beleaguered by a host of systemic challenges that hinder its potential.

It is especially heartbreaking to note that, despite Nigeria’s vast human and intellectual resources, the highest-ranking university in the country -a private institution- currently finds itself in the 801-1000 range globally according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. Some World Class Universities Based on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2025.

This ranking reflects not just the state of infrastructure or faculty quality, but the broader inefficiencies that pervade Nigeria’s educational system. Even more telling is the QS World University Rankings 2025, where both the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos, two of Nigeria’s most prestigious public institutions, are still ranked in the 1001-1200 bracket.

This stark positioning exposed the significant gap between Nigerian universities and their global counterparts. Despite the talent, ingenuity, and ambition of students like Aisha, who wants to graduate with dreams of shaping the future, the reality of overcrowded classrooms, outdated resources, and insufficient research funding stands in their way. This unfortunate situation reflects not only the challenges facing these institutions but also the missed opportunities for national progress and global competitiveness.

It is therefore pertinent that for Nigeria to secure its place as a global leader in education, its universities must undergo a profound transformation.

To illustrate the pervasive nature of the problem, let us consider the experience of my research assistant, Emmanuel. Recently, Emmanuel revisited his alma-mata after a decade, only to discover that the same lecture halls, originally designed for a modest cohort of fewer than 400 students, were still in operation. This, despite the exponential increase in the student population, now exceeding 1,200, with over 350 first-year students crammed into these dilapidated spaces. Emmanuel’s experience is emblematic of a widespread phenomenon in Nigeria’s higher education institutions, where overcrowding, under-resourcing, and infrastructural stagnation have become the norm.

The reality is stark, but the vision of a world-class university system is not beyond the realm of possibility. However, achieving this requires bold, decisive reforms and strategic investments in both human and physical capital. The imperative for transformation is urgent, and it is only through systematic, multi-dimensional interventions that Nigeria can aspire to a globally competitive university system capable of producing graduates who are not only academically proficient but also globally relevant.

This paper endeavors to provide a rigorous examination of the goals, challenges, and opportunities that define Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, offering an incisive critique of its current state and proposing pragmatic interventions that can steer it toward global competitiveness.

Goals of tertiary educational service delivery in Nigeria

For Nigeria’s universities to flourish and become globally competitive, certain fundamental objectives must be prioritized to ensure the functional advancement of the tertiary education system. These objectives are crucial not only for institutional excellence but for the nation’s economic and social progress. Some of the core goals to guide the transformation of Nigerian higher education are;

1.Delivering High-Quality Education for Workforce Readiness

The paramount objective of tertiary education is to provide students with the requisite knowledge, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities that are aligned with both industry demands and global trends. A university’s prestige is intrinsically linked to the quality of its academic output, particularly in teaching and research. In an era dominated by knowledge-based economies, Nigerian universities must prioritize the development of faculty expertise, secure sustainable research funding, and uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. To remain competitive, our institutions must transition from the archaic reliance on rote memorization to fostering an environment that promotes analytical reasoning, innovative problem-solving, and interdisciplinary research approaches.

2.Expanding Access and Ensuring Equity

Tertiary education must be universally accessible, transcending barriers of socioeconomic status, gender, and geographical location. Expanding access to higher education is integral to mitigating social inequities and fostering upward mobility. A world-class university system is inclusive by design, providing equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their backgrounds. To this end, Nigeria must prioritize the implementation of robust scholarship programs, flexible learning modalities, and digital education platforms to ensure that a diverse student body is empowered to achieve academic success and contribute meaningfully to society.

3.Fostering a culture of research and innovation

At the heart of every world-class university is a strong commitment to research and innovation. Nigerian universities must cultivate a research-oriented culture that encourages original thought, exploration, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This requires not only adequate funding and resource allocation but also the establishment of networks for global academic exchange. It is imperative that Nigerian institutions create an ecosystem that supports research publication, incentivizes innovation, and fosters meaningful partnerships with international institutions and organizations, positioning them as hubs of global knowledge production.

4.Strengthening academia-industry linkages

One of the most pressing challenges facing Nigerian higher education is the disconnect between academia and industry, which has led to an alarming gap in graduate employability. Universities must proactively bridge this divide by establishing industry partnerships, internship programs, and research collaborations that enhance the practical applicability of academic learning. To address the employability crisis, Nigerian institutions must align their curricula with the evolving demands of the job market. This includes integrating entrepreneurship education, vocational training, and industry-driven research into academic programs. By doing so, universities will not only produce graduates who are well-prepared for the workforce but also contribute to fostering a vibrant, innovation-driven economy.

5.Embracing Digital Transformation

The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated the profound digital divide in Nigeria’s education system. While universities in many parts of the world swiftly adapted to online learning, Nigerian institutions faced significant hurdles. The future of education is indisputably digital, and Nigerian universities must respond accordingly. A comprehensive overhaul of e-learning infrastructures, the establishment of digital libraries, and the provision of robust IT training are imperative for a future-ready education system. Nigerian universities must not only catch up but leapfrog into the age of artificial intelligence, digital pedagogy, and cutting-edge technologies. By integrating these tools, they will enhance the quality of teaching, facilitate groundbreaking research, and improve administrative efficiency.

Challenges confronting tertiary educational service delivery in Nigeria

While the goals for reforming Nigeria’s higher education system are both ambitious and achievable, the path forward is obstructed by a series of profound and enduring challenges. Many of these issues have persisted for decades, despite the crucial role tertiary education plays in shaping the nation’s intellectual, economic, and social future. The following are some of the most pressing obstacles currently hindering the effective delivery of tertiary education in Nigeria:

1.Inadequate infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms

The crisis in classroom infrastructure, exemplified by Emmanuel’s experience, is merely a microcosm of a nationwide problem. Many Nigerian universities operate in conditions that are both substandard and detrimental to the learning experience. Lecture halls are often dilapidated, with worn-out furniture, malfunctioning projectors, and inadequate lighting. Laboratories, which are essential for hands-on learning, are often ill-equipped or entirely absent, while libraries remain overstretched and under-resourced. The dearth of ICT facilities further exacerbates this crisis. In a system where government funding is grossly insufficient, universities are left to depend on underfunded allocations, creating a vicious cycle of infrastructural decay that undermines the quality of education.

2.Brain drain and faculty shortage

A personal recollection from the 1980s serves as a stark contrast to the present reality: Nigerian universities were once intellectual powerhouses, attracting some of the brightest minds from across the African continent. Today, however, many of Nigeria’s top academics, professors, researchers, and scholars, seek opportunities abroad, driven by poor remuneration, lack of research grants, and political instability. The exodus of intellectual capital is exacerbated by the absence of a competitive incentive system, including attractive salaries, comprehensive research funding, and a conducive working environment. As a result, Nigeria suffers from a dearth of highly qualified faculty, leaving a yawning gap in expertise. Until measures are put in place to incentivize and retain top talent, this brain drain will continue to deplete the nation’s academic resources.

3. Insufficient funding and financial mismanagement

The chronic underfunding of Nigeria’s higher education sector remains one of its most intractable challenges. Government expenditure on higher education is woefully inadequate by global standards, leading to a cascade of negative consequences, including:

a)Subpar remuneration for lecturers, driving many of the country’s brightest minds abroad.

b)A lack of research grants, which stifles innovation and reduces Nigeria’s contribution to global knowledge production.

c)A dependence on student fees, which renders higher education prohibitively expensive for many, thereby exacerbating socio-economic disparities.

This financial austerity is compounded by endemic financial mismanagement within universities, further deepening the sector’s fiscal crisis.

4. Frequent strikes and policy inconsistencies

No discussion on the challenges facing Nigerian universities would be complete without addressing the recurrent cycle of industrial actions. The strikes led by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have become an unfortunate hallmark of the Nigerian tertiary education system. These strikes, driven by unresolved labor disputes and the government’s failure to meet agreed-upon terms, disrupt academic calendars, elongate graduation timelines, and frustrate students and faculty alike. The lack of policy consistency and institutional stability further impedes the progress of the sector, creating an environment where academic pursuits are constantly interrupted. The resultant academic instability discourages international collaboration and erodes the reputation of Nigerian universities on the global stage.

5. Curriculum rigidity and outdated pedagogical approaches

Education must evolve in tandem with the rapid pace of technological and societal advancements; however, many Nigerian universities continue to rely on curricula that are decades old. In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, biotechnology, and other groundbreaking innovations, Nigerian syllabi often remain frozen in time, with outdated content and methods that fail to prepare students for the modern workforce. A graduate in 2025 may very well find that the textbooks and lecture notes used by his uncle in 2001 still form the core of their education.

This rigidity in curriculum design stifles creativity and critical thinking, as students are often taught theories, case studies, and practices that are irrelevant to contemporary challenges. To remain globally competitive, Nigerian universities must overhaul their curricula to embrace interdisciplinary learning, integrate emerging technologies, and adopt pedagogical strategies that reflect the demands of the 21st century.

Opportunities for growth and improvement

Despite the formidable challenges that beset Nigeria’s tertiary education system, there exists a vast reservoir of untapped potential. With the implementation of well-conceived strategies, Nigeria’s universities have the capacity to evolve into globally competitive, innovation-driven institutions. Although the obstacles are considerable, they are not insurmountable. Indeed, Nigeria has the opportunity to reposition its universities as world-class institutions recognized for academic excellence, research innovation, and global partnerships. The following strategic opportunities can catalyze this transformation:

1. Increased investment in technology and digital learning

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, digital innovation presents a profound opportunity to bridge the chasm of access and quality within Nigerian higher education. Strategic investments in technology can provide scalable solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing universities. These investments should include:

a)Online learning platforms: To alleviate classroom congestion and facilitate learning for students in remote areas.

b)Virtual laboratories and simulations: Particularly for science and engineering disciplines, these tools can enhance practical learning and overcome infrastructural deficits.

c)AI-driven educational tools: Personalized learning experiences powered by artificial intelligence can cater to individual student needs, thereby improving retention and engagement.

By embracing these technologies, Nigerian universities can expand their reach, increase the accessibility of education, and significantly improve learning outcomes.

2. Public-private partnerships for sustainable funding

The challenges of underfunding in Nigerian universities cannot be resolved by government intervention alone. To create a sustainable financial ecosystem for higher education, universities must forge strategic partnerships with the private sector. This collaboration will provide the financial impetus necessary for research, infrastructure development, and the creation of innovation hubs. Global examples abound of world-class institutions that thrive on corporate sponsorship, alumni endowments, and industry collaboration. Nigeria should adopt a similar model by:

• Partnering with industries: To secure research funding, sponsor academic programs, and drive innovation.

• Leveraging alumni networks: To establish robust endowment funds that can support scholarships, faculty development, and institutional growth.

• Engaging international donors: To fund specific, high-impact projects and collaborative research initiatives.

This public-private synergy can help alleviate financial constraints and provide the resources necessary to propel Nigerian universities into the global academic arena.

3. Entrepreneurial and skills-based education

As the global labor market shifts away from traditional degree-centric models toward skills-based education, Nigerian universities must reorient their focus. The future of education lies in equipping students with the practical skills and entrepreneurial acumen required to succeed in a dynamic, innovation-driven economy. To achieve this, universities must:

• Integrate entrepreneurship programs across all disciplines to foster a culture of innovation and business creation.

• Establish innovation hubs and startup incubators within universities to nurture student-led ventures and cultivate job creators, not merely job seekers.

• Promote experiential learning through hands-on training, internships, and projects, moving beyond the rigid confines of theoretical instruction.

By embedding entrepreneurial thinking and skills development into the core of university curricula, Nigeria can cultivate a new generation of graduates capable of driving economic transformation and contributing to national development.

4. Faculty development and international collaboration

Globalization presents a myriad of opportunities for knowledge exchange and academic collaboration. To remain globally relevant, Nigerian universities must invest in faculty development and engage in international partnerships that enhance the quality of teaching and research. Universities should take the following steps to strengthen their academic framework:

• Improve remuneration packages and research funding to attract and retain world-class faculty who are committed to academic excellence.

• Encourage international faculty exchange programs to expose both faculty and students to diverse perspectives and research methodologies.

• Promote continuous academic development through workshops, seminars, and specialized training programs that foster a culture of lifelong learning.

Through these initiatives, Nigerian universities can bolster their academic capabilities, enhance their research output, and elevate their global standing in the academic community.

Conclusion

Imagine a Nigeria where students like Aisha graduate not only with academic credentials but with the robust knowledge, practical expertise, and global opportunities that define world-class education. Picture a nation where universities are no longer held hostage by perennial strikes, but instead are centers of groundbreaking research, innovation, and entrepreneurial success. This is not a distant dream; it is an achievable reality, if we act now.

The current state of Nigeria’s tertiary education system is at a crossroads. The goals of quality education, equitable access, and innovation will remain out of reach unless we confront the entrenched challenges of underfunding, obsolete curricula, and decaying infrastructure head-on. The experiences of Emmanuel and Aisha are but two illustrative examples of a much broader crisis, one that demands urgent and transformative action.

If we remain passive, the next generation of students will continue to suffer in overcrowded lecture halls, surrounded by outdated learning materials and a system ill-equipped to prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century. However, if we take decisive action, we have the opportunity to revolutionize our universities, fostering environments that not only produce exceptional graduates but also lead the way in research, innovation, and national development.

This retreat must serve as a rallying cry for renewed commitment and concrete action. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and focus on actionable steps that will drive the transformation of Nigerian universities. The hour is late, and the need for change has never been more urgent. A world-class university system is not a lofty ideal, it is an imperative, both for the future of our students and the future of our nation.

Recommendations

To realize the vision of a world-class university system in Nigeria, the following strategic recommendations are essential:

1.Increase government funding for tertiary education

It is imperative that the Nigerian government substantially increases its financial commitment to higher education, with a specific focus on critical areas such as infrastructure, faculty development, and research. A robust funding framework will enable universities to improve facilities, attract and retain qualified faculty, and invest in groundbreaking research initiatives.

2.Adopt digital learning technologies

The adoption of cutting-edge digital learning technologies must be prioritized to modernize teaching methodologies and expand access to education. Online learning platforms, virtual labs, and AI-driven educational tools will not only enhance the quality of education but also bridge the geographical and socio-economic gaps in access to tertiary education.

3.Foster public-private partnerships

In recognition of the limitations of government funding, universities must proactively seek and cultivate public-private partnerships to augment financial resources. Collaborations with private sector stakeholders will foster industry relevance, provide funding for research and infrastructure, and create avenues for students to engage in industry-driven projects.

4.Revise and update curricula regularly

Curricula must be continuously reviewed and updated to reflect contemporary trends, emerging technologies, and global best practices. An agile, future-oriented curriculum that embraces interdisciplinary learning and innovation is crucial for preparing graduates who are competitive in an increasingly globalized job market.

5.Promote entrepreneurship and hands-on learning

Nigerian universities must place greater emphasis on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and integrating hands-on learning into all disciplines. By fostering innovation hubs, startup incubators, and internship programs, universities can ensure that graduates emerge not only as job seekers but as job creators with practical skills and entrepreneurial acumen.

6.Enhance faculty recruitment, retention, and professional development

To maintain academic excellence, universities must attract and retain highly qualified faculty members through competitive salaries, research incentives, and professional development opportunities. Continuous investment in faculty growth will elevate the quality of teaching and research, making Nigerian universities more attractive to top-tier academics globally.

7.Improve governance and management

Effective governance and transparent management practices are paramount to addressing inefficiencies and curbing corruption within university administrations. Strengthening institutional governance frameworks will ensure accountability, resource optimization, and the implementation of reforms that drive long-term institutional growth.

• A lecture delivered by Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, FNAL, at the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State on February 6, 2025

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