Stop converting polytechnics, colleges to universities, professor urges FG

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

A university don, Prof. Samson Afolabi Arekete, has cautioned the Federal Government against the continued conversion of polytechnics and colleges of education into universities.

Arekete, a Professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, made the call during the university’s 17th inaugural lecture titled Human-Computer Partnership: A Cure or a Curse?

According to him, polytechnics and colleges of education play significant roles in the educational system, and their conversion to universities would only lead to distortions.

Rather than converting existing institutions, he advised the government to establish new universities and fund them adequately, noting that there are already enough universities in the country.

The don also urged the government to discourage Nigerian graduates, except those with overseas scholarships, from pursuing further studies abroad, particularly at the master’s degree level.

Arekete argued that the substantial funds spent by Nigerians studying abroad could be better utilized to revamp the country’s educational system, enabling its higher institutions to rank among the world’s best.

Instead, he emphasized the need to attract foreign staff and students, who would serve as catalysts for Nigeria’s educational development.

He called on the Federal and State Governments to revamp education at all levels, stressing that all government-owned primary and secondary schools should be completely refurbished to enhance educational development in the country.