National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Federal Government has debunked claims that it plans to sell universities to private investors.
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made this clarification on Tuesday, at the Second Quarterly Engagement of the ministry with heads of units and chief executive officers of parastatals and agencies under the ministry.
Mamman noted that the government’s policy on transnational education aims to open up tertiary education to global competitiveness, not to sell off universities.
He explained that transnational education allows international institutions to collaborate with local universities, raising standards and attracting investment.
The Minister stressed that guidelines on transnational education have been in place and that the engagement with heads of agencies and parastatals was to review progress, challenges, and reaffirm commitment to the country’s educational landscape.
He cited examples from Asia, where international institutions have benefited local economies and raised standards.
Mamman reassured that the government believes in public institutions and seeks to enhance tertiary education through global partnerships, not sale or privatisation.
He urged the public to disregard misinformation and emphasised the government’s commitment to improving education in Nigeria.
