Abuja: The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria's university accreditation system, describing the current process as 'chaotic, costly, and counterproductive' to educational access and quality.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Alausa, who spoke at a meeting with professional bodies in Abuja, criticised the overlapping roles of more than 25 accrediting organisations. He highlighted how these organisations burden universities with conflicting requirements, high costs, and logistical challenges. Alausa emphasised that accreditation should not become a business that enriches a few, complicating the entire educational system.
The minister expressed concern over universities being compelled to bear the costs of accreditation visits, which include travel, accommodation, and allowances for visiting teams. He stated that it is not the responsibility of universities to fund the accreditation process.
While acknowledging the importance of professional oversight in critical disciplines, Alausa pointed out that the accreditation of academic programmes remains the statutory responsibility of the National Universities Commission (NUC). He traced the growth in accrediting bodies from seven councils five decades ago to over 25 today, warning that this proliferation hampers access and institutional growth.
Alausa advocated for a standardised accreditation model featuring a five-year cycle, a two-to-three-day assessment window, and self-funded visits by professional bodies. He highlighted that these burdensome requirements are limiting student intake and reducing access to higher education.
Also addressing the meeting, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), called for a balanced approach that safeguards university autonomy, public funds, and academic standards. He urged all stakeholders to agree on a unified framework that respects institutional roles.
Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the NUC, stated that the duplication of accreditation roles harms the credibility of Nigeria's higher education system. He shared personal experiences from his time as a vice-chancellor, where institutions faced conflicting accreditation demands. Ribadu called for a harmonised national approach, citing international best practices where clear responsibilities are defined between professional bodies and universities.
In response, Prof. Zacheus Opafunso, Registrar/CEO of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), asserted that professional bodies play a distinct and essential role in regulating qualifications within their respective fields and should be allowed to conduct accreditation.