The National Universities Commission (NUC) has raised concerns about increasing security threats on Nigerian university campuses.
Speaking at the 7th Annual Registry Lecture at Elizade University in Ondo State, NUC Deputy Executive Secretary, Dr. Biodun Saliu, highlighted the rising insecurity as a major challenge in the nation’s university system. Dr. Saliu revealed that multiple universities have reported incidents of kidnappings and abductions involving academic staff and students, with some tragically losing their lives or still missing.
Saliu pointed out that these security threats are hindering teaching, research activities, and the overall well-being of university communities. He emphasized that insecurity is just one of many challenges facing Nigerian universities, including inadequate funding, infrastructural deficits, brain drain, poor remuneration, and governance issues.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Saliu remains optimistic, proposing solutions such as improved funding, better staffing, and infrastructural development. He called for enhanced budgetary allocations to public universities, improved subventions for private universities, and a shift in mindset for private university owners from profit-making to educational investment.
Saliu also recommended the employment of more qualified academic staff, the expansion of access to university education, and the integration of ICT-enabled blended learning to improve content delivery.
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