Education Minister Highlights Role of Private Sector in Tertiary Education Expansion
The Federal Government has reiterated its stance against the privatization of public universities, countering circulating false reports. Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman addressed these concerns during a session with Heads of agencies, parastatals, and directors in the ministry, labeling the privatization claims as “an absolute lie and completely false.”
Prof. Mamman emphasized the government’s dedication to maintaining public institutions while acknowledging the significant contributions of the private sector in tertiary education. “This government believes in providing government institutions and has not shied away from the force that the government needs from the private sectors,” he stated.
He further explained the government’s initiative to enhance global competitiveness in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. This initiative encourages international educational institutions to establish campuses in Nigeria and collaborate with local universities under trans-national education guidelines. “Other parts of the world have benefitted from having international institutions setting up campuses or new institutions in those countries, which has taken standards in those countries,” Mamman added.
This clarification highlights the government’s strategy to improve educational standards through international collaboration, while firmly maintaining the public ownership of universities amidst unfounded privatization rumors.
