The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has expressed support for the Federal Government's directive prohibiting universities from using borrowed lecturers, equipment, and facilities to obtain accreditation. CONUA National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, stated that the integrity of the accreditation process is crucial to the credibility of Nigeria's university system. This move aims to ensure that accreditation reflects an institution's actual capacity to deliver programs sustainably.
CONUA emphasized that accreditation must be based on an institution's verifiable capacity to deliver programs, not temporary arrangements for evaluation teams. The union warned that without clear consequences, the directive may fail to deter misrepresentation. CONUA urged the government to define sanctions for errant institutions, including potential suspension, withdrawal, or review of their accreditation. These standards must apply equally to public and private universities.
The union called for legal and regulatory sanctions against academics who lend their credentials to help institutions fake their capacity. CONUA noted that legitimate academic collaborations, such as visiting appointments and joint programs, must be distinguished from deliberate fabrication of accreditation capacity. The union stressed that government expectations must be matched with adequate funding to enable universities to maintain required academic staff, laboratories, and facilities.
CONUA demanded accountability from university administrations and urged the Federal Government to evaluate current funding levels. The union emphasized that quality assurance cannot be divorced from quality funding. Universities must be accountable for entrusted resources and not resort to unwholesome practices to create artificial capacity. The government must provide adequate, predictable, and timely funding.
The union concluded by calling for clear implementation guidelines, defined sanctions, transparent verification mechanisms, and a credible funding framework for the new policy. CONUA stated that the true test of accreditation rests on whether an institution possesses resources to provide claimed education and if the government has adequately resourced the institution to sustain those capacities.
According to CONUA, the credibility of Nigeria's higher education depends on honest answers to these questions. The union emphasized that universities must not compromise their integrity by resorting to artificial means of obtaining accreditation. By supporting the directive, CONUA aims to promote a more transparent and accountable accreditation process.
The implementation of this policy will be closely watched by stakeholders in the education sector. CONUA's support for the directive underscores the need for a more robust and reliable accreditation process. The union's call for adequate funding and accountability from university administrations and the government highlights the complexities of ensuring quality education in Nigeria's higher education system.
Key points
- - CONUA supports the Federal Government's directive banning universities from using borrowed lecturers, equipment, and facilities for accreditation. - The union emphasizes the need for clear consequences for errant institutions and adequate funding to ensure quality education. - The credibility of Nigeria's higher education depends on a transparent and accountable accreditation process.
