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By Oscar Okhifo
Professor Kunle Mamudu, former Head of Department, English and literature, University of Benin has disagreed with those opposed to the establishment of more Universities in the country.
According to the distinguished professor of Literature, the current situation cannot be described as a proliferation.
In a chat with Pointblank News, Prof. Mamudu said,
“I can’t agree with the use of the word ‘proliferation.’ It suggests there’s already an abuse in the granting of licenses for more universities. The public Universities in existence are not enough when compared to the number of young Nigerians that are desirous of university education. It is their right.
“It is not quantity at the expense of quality. Not at all. It is just because the Government is not doing the right thing as regards funding and building of the needed infrastructures. What we need to insist on as Nigerians , is the enforcement of the rules and regulations guiding the running of Universities. In terms of number, what we have now is not too much yet. It’s not even enough. So, It is not yet a proliferation.
“Every Nigerian that wants a University degree should have access. Government should just ensure that the quality is top-notch”
On global ratings of universities and how ours here are never among the world best, even within Africa, the academic giant said he has a problem with the rankings.
“Honestly, I have a problem with those ratings or ranking. Yes! This is often carried out by organisations who are domicile in Western countries and we all know that the West always wants to claim superiority in all spheres of life.
Are you not aware that most of our average graduates from public universities, who proceed to do their post graduate programs in those highly rated ones do come tops of their classes? That is always the case. One wonders if sterling academic performance is no longer a determinant of bestness. So, I don’t think there should be a stoppage to establishment of new universities yet.
“The people must demand for the best from those they choose to lead them. Adequate funding of these institutions remains the ace. Let the government upscale the funding and there should be massive unleashment of the needed infrastructures”
On not being on the same page with the Academic staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on the subject matter, the academic egghead, flatly said he was baring his own mind inspite of ASUU’s position.
“I’m not speaking for ASUU. I must tell you that I’m a very active member of the union. My opinions here are absolutely mine. Take note.”
Prof. Mahmood expressed support for ASUU’s demand for better funding for Universities and the welfare of those who’re impacting knowledge on the leaders of tomorrow.
“It is in the interest of the country to have well funded universities and well motivated academic staff and all others. Everybody within the community is useful.
” Nigeria has the resources to meet the demands of ASUU and still have enough left for other needs of the country. This country has the capacity to fund education the way it should be funded. The existing universities and the future ones can be funded if the government wants to. What is absent is the will power to do the right thing.
Asked if politicians were playing politics with establishment of universities, he said politics is is always on the table.
“I dare to say that politics is always on the table. No university was ever founded without political undertone.”
He elucidated his views on different administrations’ handling of the demands of ASUU.
“The he age long demands of ASUU not being met, is a minus. The wicked refusal to grant the demands is bad for the entire system. It is the consideration of government that, if intellectuals are financially empowered, the power and relevance of the political class could be lost to superior forces like the academics . It is a battle to empower tyranny and dictatorship. Alas! Hunger and hardship are their basic weapons.
“While more universities are needed, the government should muster the political will to deploy the needed funding. Those who are in the business of impacting knowledge should be well remunerated too. This will stop brain drain and keep the best of them in the country” he said