Nigerian Universities Lagging Behind Harvard: Ex-Pro-Chancellor Abayomi

Former Pro-Chancellor of Nigerian universities, Dr Tunji Abayomi, has raised concerns about the ability of Nigerian institutions to compete with global leaders like Harvard University. In an interview with Punch Newspapers, Abayomi highlighted the need for adequate funding for research and development as a prerequisite for Nigerian universities to match the standard set by Harvard.

According to Abayomi, the lack of funding has hindered Nigerian universities from investing in cutting-edge research and development, which is crucial for global competitiveness. He emphasized the importance of investing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to produce graduates who can contribute to the global knowledge economy.

Abayomi’s comments come amidst growing concerns about the state of Nigerian education, with many pointing to inadequate funding as a key factor. The government has pledged to increase funding for education, but critics argue that more needs to be done to address the structural issues that have hindered the progress of Nigerian universities.

The Nigerian government and educational institutions have not responded to Abayomi’s comments.