Attaining Operational Efficiency and Effective Performance
The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Arc. Sonny Echono, has emphasized the need for Nigerian universities to attain full autonomy to ensure operational efficiency and effective performance.
Benefits of University Autonomy
Echono stressed that Nigerian universities should enjoy financial, administrative, and academic autonomy to provide solutions to the country’s challenges and compete globally. He argued that excessive government control limits universities’ ability to attract international investments and partnerships.
Improved Infrastructure and Global Collaborations
Autonomy enables universities to enhance their infrastructure network through collaborations with industries, alumni, and other educational institutions. University autonomy also provides opportunities for global collaboration, sharing ideas, research, and effective teaching methods.
Increased Accountability and Financial Sustainability
Autonomy enhances accountability, as universities would be responsible for their success or failure. Autonomy allows universities to determine their tuition fees and funding models, reducing dependence on government allocations.
Addressing Funding Challenges
Echono identified funding as the most critical challenge facing university education in Nigeria, emphasizing that autonomy would enable universities to explore innovative ways to generate income.
Implementing the University Autonomy Act 2007
The University Autonomy Act 2007 is seen as a step towards achieving autonomy, but Echono noted that its implementation is limited to federal universities. He urged stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring the act’s total implementation beyond federal universities.
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