Reps seek urgent upgrade of ABU, UI, UNN

Urgent Legislative Push to Revive Nigeria’s First-Generation Universities

In a decisive move aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s educational heritage, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to urgently upgrade the country’s first-generation universities, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, University of Ibadan (UI), and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

These institutions, established in the early 1960s, were once the pride of Africa’s academic landscape, renowned for their world-class facilities, distinguished faculty, and international appeal. However, lawmakers now lament that decades of neglect, chronic underfunding, and infrastructural decay have stripped these universities of their former glory.

The resolution was passed following a motion sponsored by Aderemi Oseni, a member of the All Progressives Congress representing Oyo State. Titled “Need to Upgrade First-Generation Universities and Investigate the Quality and Standards of TETFUND Projects Across Federal Universities in Nigeria,” the motion received overwhelming support during the plenary session held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Oseni emphasized that the deterioration of these institutions is not merely cosmetic but deeply structural. Lecture halls, hostels, and auditoriums are in disrepair, and once-thriving facilities like university zoos, once considered tourist attractions, have either been abandoned or completely vanished.

Oseni also raised concerns about the quality of intervention projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). He alleged that many recently completed structures are already showing signs of wear, in stark contrast to buildings erected over six decades ago that still stand firm. This discrepancy, he argued, points to a troubling lack of oversight and accountability in the execution of public-funded projects.

In response, the House resolved to launch a comprehensive investigation into the quality and standards of TETFUND projects across federal universities. The goal is to ensure that public funds are being used effectively and that completed projects meet acceptable standards.

The House also urged key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministries of Education and Finance, the National Universities Commission, TETFUND itself, and development partners—to collaborate on a strategic framework for rehabilitating and upgrading these historic institutions.

To operationalize this mandate, the House directed its Committees on University Education, TETFUND, and other relevant bodies to investigate both completed and ongoing projects in tertiary institutions nationwide. These committees are expected to report back within four weeks, paving the way for further legislative action.

This motion underscores a broader concern about the declining global standing of Nigerian universities. Once considered benchmarks for academic excellence in Africa, institutions like ABU, UI, and UNN now struggle to compete internationally.

The House’s intervention seeks not only to restore their physical infrastructure but also to reclaim their reputations as centers of learning, innovation, and cultural pride.