The Role of Nigerian Universities in National Development
National Development: I want to refer to a recent communiqué issued by economists and other professionals at the end of the Daily Trust Board of Economists breakfast meeting held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel on 25th February, 2016, in which they gave the following advice, which I quote, “The public and private sectors should henceforth invest […]
National Development: I want to refer to a recent communiqué issued by economists and other professionals at the end of the Daily Trust Board of Economists breakfast meeting held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel on 25th February, 2016, in which they gave the following advice, which I quote,
“The public and private sectors should henceforth invest heavily on human capital development for the requisite skills and capacity needed in all sectors of the economy in keeping with the standards and emerging trends globally” and that,
“Government should formulate an aggressive policy for the development of Science and Technology as the most critical ingredient for the development and diversification of the economy in all sectors”
The world is generally classified into two, developed and underdeveloped countries; a division, usually based on social, economic and political prosperity. Developed countries tend to have viable economies, stable politics, good infrastructure, developed technologies, high per capita income and experience high standard of living. Underdeveloped countries in contrast, lag in industrialization, infrastructure, modern agriculture, low per capita income and high poverty level.
Onwuma (2010) pointed out that, Nigeria has been facing numerous challenges in achieving development since attaining independence in October 1960 in spite of its abundant human and natural resources. From the time Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960 to date, repeated efforts have been made to define a suitable framework for socio-political and sustainable economic development. In this regard, not less than five National Development Plans have been inaugurated.
All these development plans had the goals of achieving the following: a stable broad-based democratic system; creating employment opportunities to meet the basic needs of the people; food security ; enhanced education; developing the Nigerian economy; establishing framework that attracts investment; promoting economic stability and sustaining non-inflationary growth and social justice; nurturing independent and responsible media, labour unions, and other institutions of civil society; developing an effective and efficient public service, judiciary and law enforcement system; reorienting Nigerian society along the path of honesty and probity, mutual respect for each other, trust, tolerance, gender equality and fostering co-operation.
Overview of Past National Development Plans: Eberinwa (2005) in Ref. (Onwuma, 2010) reported that, there was a ten year pre-independence development plan from 1946 to 1956. However, the plan came to an end in 1954 when the Federal system of government was introduced. A five year plan from 1955 to 1960 followed and which was later revived and extended to 1962 upon independence. Thereafter, evolved post-independence development plans.
First National Development Plan (1962-68): The first post-independence Nigerian National Development Plan was launched in 1962. It was quite robust, with a six year target that envisaged large spending on development of capital projects and enhancing overall productivity in all sectors of the economy. However, this plan was not fully implemented, due to the political crisis that culminated in the 1966 civil war.
Second National Development Plan (1970-74): This was a post-war reconstruction plan, with the objective of replacing physical assets, damaged and destroyed in the civil war and, restoring the nation’s productive capacity, towards achieving self-reliance. Incidentally, not much was achieved, with this plan.
Third National Development Plan (1975-1980): The goals of the third National Development Plan were, to create a welfare system, by means of improving the lot of the common man by increasing the per capita income. Also, the plan was to even income distribution, reduce unemployment by creating job opportunities, enhance economic diversification, promote balanced development and encourage indigenization in all aspects of economic activities.
Fourth National Development Plan (1981-85): The major thrust of this plan was on the exploitation of the nation’s abundant natural resources for local industries and generation of employment opportunities.
The goals of the plan did not materialise however, and consequently, the country was constrained to adopt the painful Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in 1986.
Other National Development Plans: In 1996 the military government of General Sani Abacha produced the Vision 2010 plan, but it was never implemented. The plan was replaced in 2003 by the National Economic Empowerment Development Strategies (NEEDS), which was a four year programme
The Nigeria Vision 20:2020 economic transformation blueprint, crafted in 2011, was meant to be a ten year plan for stimulating Nigeria’s economic growth, and launching the country onto a path of sustained and rapid economic growth, to become one of the top twenty economies by the year 2020. As usual with previous cases, Vision 20:2020 followed the path of its sister Vision 2010, and never materialised.
Indeed, in assessing the nation’s national development plans, there is need to assess its impact on the socio-economic, political, infrastructural and technological development of the country.
Infrastructure Development: Without doubt, since independence, Nigeria has made great strides and achievements in many aspects of our national life. However, the current status of the Nigerian public utility and infrastructural services are very weak, not befitting a country with abundant human and natural resources. A country with estimate population of 181 million people, served with electric power generation fluctuating between 4,000 and 5,000 MW compared to South Africa, with 54 million people (Rs 1/3 of that of Nigeria), producing 42,000MW (Rs 10 times that of Nigeria), is a source for great concern.
Socio-economic Development: Nigeria’s over dependence on crude oil is believed to be the major cause of instability in the economy and poverty, which has led to the current unrest in the country.
Political Development: The Nigerian polity is one that has been quite interesting, producing exciting leadership. The political space in Nigeria which used to be a tussle for power between civilians and the military has now changed course, becoming a battle between the nouveau riche.
Technological Development: Undoubtedly, technology is a tool for accelerating national development. The possession of technology in the hands of developed countries has been the instruments they use to develop their countries and dominate undeveloped countries. The level of technology and technological development in Nigeria is very low and we must increase awareness on the importance of technology and adopt it to improve the nation’s state of development as was recognized by our past leaders when they drew up the first National Development Plan.
Challenges Facing Nigerian Universities: In a recent pre-convocation lecture delivered by Professor Tomori, President of the Nigeria Academy of Science, at the University of Abuja, on 26th February, 2016, he identified three types of universities – First, Second and Third, all based on transformation which has occurred within the university system. He advised us not to confuse 1st, 2nd —- 4th generation used to classify universities in Nigeria solely on the period of their establishment.
Low Ranking of Nigerian Universities: In the ranking of world universities by several bodies it was observed that, up to now, none of the 141 Nigerian universities was on the list of the 3,000 top ranked universities in the world.
In Africa, University of Cape Town, South Africa, was consistently ranked No.1 by all ranking bodies (THES, QS World University Ranking, Ranking International Colleges and Universities) and was ranked No. 324 in the world. Of the top 100 universities in Africa, 18 of the 19 universities in South Africa (or 95%) were on the list. Also, South African universities occupied the first 1-9 positions in the ranking.
In the case of Nigeria, University of Ibadan, the highest ranked Nigerian university featuring on the list of African Universities, was ranked No 32 (also ranked 3,445 in the world). On the list, only 6 out of the 141 accredited Nigerian universities (4%) had featured.
Higher education institutions in Nigeria indeed are facing lots of problems, largely due to the overall deterioration of teaching and research facilities, dilapidating infrastructure, inadequate funding of teaching and research activities which have all, led to frequent strikes by various university staff unions.
Let us examine the factors generally used in ranking universities which are not reckoned with by Nigerian universities.
Academic Peer Review (40%) – This criterion constitutes the largest percentage and it is an indication of the reputation of the University among its peers worldwide, in terms of its products, research output and interaction of its academic staff with other academics. Recruiter Review (10%) – This will depend largely on the quality of graduates from a University. There is increasingly low rating of our graduates by employers, even within the country.
Staff/Student Ratio (20%) – There is acute shortage of quality academic staff with PhDs in almost all Nigerian universities. Most existing staff are aging and unable to mentor the young and brilliant ones; moreover, they lacked the opportunity to update themselves with current knowledge in their areas of specialization.
Citations/Faculty (20%)- This is a good measure of research output from a University where citations over the previous five years by academic staff are gathered from international academic cited publications. The number of citations is divided by the number of staff as a yard stick so as to standardize the measure.
International Orientation (10%)-This measures the number of both international students and international academic staff in the University. Each makes 5% out of the total 10%.
The Way Forward: The greatest challenge one would likely face in addressing the problems of Nigerian universities is, how to convince the universities to admit that they have serious problems.
Most programs and curricula in Nigerian universities are out-dated, equipment for teaching and research are either obsolete or non-existent and academic staff are inadequate and the few therein, most of them are saddled with heavy teaching load.
Need for International Universities Peer Review
The suggestion one would make to address low ranking of Nigerian universities is for the constitution of an International University Peer Review panel, made up of external experts from outside the country in conjunction with local professional bodies, to periodically (eg. every 5 years) assess the curricula, research activities and performance of Nigerian universities.
Need for Entrepreneurial University
There is generally acknowledged that in addition to the traditional role of universities namely, teaching and research there is now emerging a “third mission” directed at economic activities- commercialization of knowledge.
Universities are now increasingly shifting their effort towards innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship.
University as an Internationalized Institution
For a University to be truly entrepreneurial, it must have aspects of international outlook. Besides supporting the mobility of its staff and students through scholarships, overseas internships exchange programs, it should also strive to recruit international entrepreneurial staff and attract PhD students.
Innovation and Patents: Publishing in reputable journals is not sufficient accomplishment for the academics in an entrepreneurial University. Academics must strive to patent and commercialize their research findings. This is an area where Nigerian universities have been performing poorly.
Entrepreneurship and Nigerian Universities: The question one would ask is, why is it that Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Commercialization (EIC) are not entrenched in the Nigerian University System? To answer the question, we need to examine the mandates of public universities by the Acts establishing them.
First Generation Universities in Nigeria: The First Generation Universities according classification by NUC are, University of Ibadan (founded in 1948); Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Lagos, all established in 1962.
The objectives of establishing these universities are identical.
University of Ibadan: It shall be the general function of the university to encourage the advancement of learning throughout Nigeria and to hold out to all persons, without distinction of race, creed or sex, the opportunity of acquiring a liberal education; and for the purpose of carrying out that function it shall be the duty of the University, so far as its resources permit-
(a) to provide such facilities for the pursuit of learning and the acquisition of a liberal education as are appropriate for a university of the highest standing; and
(b) to make those facilities available on proper terms to such persons as are equipped to benefit from the use of the facilities.
ABU, Zaria: (a) to provide regular and liberal course of instruction in the humanities, the sciences and other spheres of learning of a standard required and expected of a university of the highest standing;
(b) to promote research and the advancement of science and learning;
(c) to secure the diffusion of knowledge throughout Northern Nigeria;
UNN: (a) to encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction the opportunity of acquiring a higher and liberal education;
(b) to provide courses of instruction and other facilities for the pursuit of learning in all its branches, and to make those facilities available on proper terms to such persons as are equipped to benefit from them;
(c) to encourage and promote scholarship and conduct research in all fields of learning and human endeavour;
(d) to relate its activities to the social and economic needs of the people of Nigeria; and
(e) to undertake any other activities appropriate for a university of the highest standard.
University of Lagos: (a) to encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction the opportunity of acquiring a higher education;
(b) to provide courses of instruction and other facilities for the pursuit of learning in all its branches, and to make those facilities available on proper terms to such persons as are equipped to benefit from them;
(c) to encourage, promote and conduct research in all fields of learning and human endeavour; and
(d) to undertake any other activities appropriate for a university of the highest standard.
Federal Universities of Technology: For example, Federal Universities of Technology Act of 11th of July, 1986, establishing four universities of technology, under Section 1,
(1) There are hereby established the following universities of technology, that is- the Federal University of Technology, Akure Minna, Bauchi and Yola.
(2) Each University shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal and may sue or be sued in its corporate name.
Sub Section (3) The objects of each University shall be-
(a) to encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons with- out distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction, the opportunity of acquiring a higher education in technology;
(b) to develop and offer academic and professional programmes leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, post-graduate research and higher degrees which emphasise planning, adaptive, technical, maintenance, developmental and productive skills in the engineering, scientific, agricultural, medical, and allied professional disciplines with the aim of producing socially mature men and women with capability not only to understand, use and adapt existing technology, but also to improve on it and develop new ones;
(c) to act as agents and catalysts, through post-graduate training, research and innovation for the effective and economic utilisation, exploitation and conservation of the country’s natural, economic and human resources;
(d) to offer to the general population, as a form of public service, the results of training and research and to foster the practical applications of these results;
(e) to establish appropriate relationships with other national institutions involved in training, research and development of technologies;
(f) to identify the technological problems and needs of the society and to find solutions to them within the context of overall national development;
(g) to provide and promote sound basic scientific training as a foundation for the development of technology and applied sciences, taking into account indigenous culture and the need to enhance national unity; and
(h) to undertake any other activities appropriate for a university of technology of the highest standard.
Recently Established Federal Universities
The Act establishing each of the three new federal universities in 2015 goes as follows:
(1) There is established the Federal University, ……………,
Subsection (2),
The objects of the University shall be to-
(a) encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction the opportunity of acquiring higher and liberal education;
(b) provide courses of instruction and other facilities for the pursuit of learning in all its branches, and to make those facilities available on proper terms to such persons as are equipped to benefit from them;
c) encourage and promote scholarship and conduct research in restricted fields of learning and human endeavour;
(d) relate its activities to the social, cultural and economic needs of the people of Nigeria; and
(e) undertake other activities appropriate for a university of the highest standard.
General Discussion: Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the Kaduna State Governor, recently stated that the economic challenges facing the country could get worse. The statement was made at a dinner he hosted on 25th February, 2016, in honour of the top 15 people who emerged at the crowd-sourcing competition titled “Making Kaduna Great”. The competition was open to interested persons across the world to contribute to the Kaduna State Development Strategy, 2016-2020.
Fifteen submissions from 478 entries received were selected with topics covering cutting edge innovative technologies that include, education (e- learning/teaching software in 3D), environment (mineral resources development and conversion of waste to wealth), energy ( renewable and solar power), broadband connectivity, transportation, smart city clusters, tourism and housing, e-governance and agriculture( e-monitoring and tracking system).
In his remarks at the dinner, the Governor was quoted as saying:
“let us seize the opportunity we are presented to remake our country away from the era of easy money and rent-seeking, to a new economy that is powered by the intellect, the enterprise and the hard work of all citizens”
And, “We are expanding access to education because we believe that our people potential can be realised only when we give every child decent basic education,” he said.
On technology development, I want to quote a speech given by elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, on the occasion of his 79th birthday ceremony held on 5th March, 2016, when he said,
“One of the things we now have to take seriously is technology because technology impacts on our daily life; it’s built in our homes; it’s in our pocket, and if there are those who want to do anything to make life unbearable for us in terms of security, then we must also use technology as the antidote and the means by which we can ward off what they may want to do against us”.
Recommendations
1. It is the view that Nigerian universities must be more innovative and entrepreneurial and play leading role in the quest for technological development, which the nation needs now.
2. Nigerian universities must reformulate their mission statements to include entrepreneurship and entrench that aspect in all activities and in the university community.
3. Nigerian academics must strive to publish their research works in ISI cited journals and thereafter, patent them in order to get recognition from their peers and thus, improve the rating of our universities.
4. Nigerian universities should avoid inbreeding and accept universality of university education by attracting and recruiting foreign academic staff and admitting foreign students especially for postgraduate studies at PhD level.
5. Nigerian universities should open Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) to encourage staff and students to commercialize their works and assist them in patenting patentable works.
6. There is the need for every university to evolve curricula on entrepreneurship education, unique to the institution in which, all students will be taught the principles of entrepreneurship, business plan development, entrepreneurial finance, soft skills, legal aspects, commercialization, and marketing, etc.
7. Nigerian universities should create Professorial chairs in Entrepreneurship and get them endowed by companies.
8. To enhance the ranking status of Nigerian universities, the government needs to constitute an International Peer Review Committee drawn from academics outside the country, to assess and determine the needs of Nigerian universities periodically so as to compete globally.
9. TETFund should set aside substantial amount to fund both basic and applied research in Nigerian universities and empower each institution to establish TTOs.
10. Sustained investment in innovation and research is essential for national development. Thus, government needs to invest not less than 3 per cent of GDP to make any meaningful impact on R&D.
11. In order to provide incentives to individuals and companies to produce new products and services, we must enact and enforce Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) which allows innovators to reap the benefit of their creative ideas and reward their risk-taking ventures. Also, without effective IPR enforcement, it will be difficult for Nigeria to benefit from global innovation networks because most overseas innovative firms will hesitate to invest or form partnerships with Nigeria if their IPR will be readily stolen.
Conclusion: Nigerian Universities have since independence, been playing key roles in the training of manpower for the nation’s economy and the development of their communities, through the knowledge they generate and transfer. These, they do through teaching, research and obligation to serve the communities. However, there has been added a third mandate, for universities the world over, to focus on innovative works and entrepreneurship as well as the commercialization of research findings.
Unfortunately Nigerian universities have continued to focus on their traditional role of training scholars and leaders. They have remained weak in the practical application of knowledge and are unable to respond to the demands of the job market.
This is an abridged version of a convocation lecture delivered by Prof. S. Mustafa FNSE, FAENG, FNAHS, FAS at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto