In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a trend of converting colleges of education into universities—a development that has raised concerns among educational stakeholders. The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) have voiced apprehensions about this shift, emphasizing its potential impact on the nation’s educational framework.
COEASU, representing academic staff in colleges of education, and TETFund, a government agency dedicated to funding tertiary education, are at the forefront of this discourse. Their collective stance highlights the gravity of the issue within Nigeria’s educational landscape. The Nigerian government, at both federal and state levels, has been converting several colleges of education into universities. Notably, in October 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the conversion of four federal colleges of education to federal universities of education. Similarly, states like Kwara and Sokoto have upgraded their colleges of education to university status. This trend spans various regions of Nigeria. For instance, Lagos State has transformed all its state-owned polytechnics and colleges of education into universities, leaving the state without any polytechnics or colleges of education.
The movement gained momentum over the past few years, with at least 25 colleges of education converted to universities by federal and state governments. Several bills proposing further conversions are currently under consideration in national and state assemblies.
Why is this concerning?
COEASU and TETFund argue that colleges of education are pivotal in training teachers for Nigeria’s basic education sector. Their conversion to universities could lead to a shortage of qualified teachers for primary and secondary schools. Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, questioned the rationale behind the conversions, emphasizing that existing colleges are already struggling to produce enough teachers for primary schools. The shift could destabilize the foundational levels of education. Dr. Smart Olugbeko, President of COEASU, warned of dire consequences if colleges of education diminish, as they are specifically dedicated to training educators for the basic education level. He cited examples from countries like China, where universities are being converted into technical institutions to meet specific educational needs, contrasting with Nigeria’s current trajectory.
While the aspiration to elevate educational institutions reflects a desire for advancement, it’s crucial to consider the unique roles that different types of institutions play. Universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education each serve distinct purposes within the educational ecosystem. Policymakers should ensure that reforms do not inadvertently create gaps in essential sectors, such as basic education, which forms the bedrock of national development. In conclusion, the conversion of colleges of education into universities in Nigeria presents a complex challenge. Balancing the ambition for higher educational status with the practical needs of foundational education requires thoughtful policy decisions to maintain a robust and effective educational system.
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