FG Bans Use of Borrowed Lecturers, Equipment for University Accreditation
ABUJA — The Federal Government has banned universities from using borrowed lecturers and equipment during accreditation exercises.
The government said the practice of presenting temporary academic staff or equipment belonging to other institutions during accreditation undermines the integrity of the process and gives a false impression of the institutions’ actual capacity.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed the development while addressing issues surrounding the quality and standard of university education in Nigeria.
He said universities must demonstrate that they have the required academic staff, infrastructure and equipment to run their programmes before receiving accreditation.
According to the minister, institutions would no longer be allowed to bring in lecturers from other universities or borrow equipment simply to satisfy accreditation requirements.
He stressed that accreditation should reflect the genuine capacity of each institution to deliver quality education to students.
The Federal Government said the measure was necessary to strengthen quality assurance and ensure that students are admitted into programmes with adequate teaching staff, facilities and equipment.
The government also warned institutions against manipulating accreditation exercises, noting that universities must take responsibility for developing and maintaining the facilities and human resources required for their academic programmes.
The policy is expected to place greater emphasis on universities’ ability to sustain their programmes beyond accreditation visits.
The government maintained that improving the quality of tertiary education remains a priority, with institutions expected to meet established standards before programmes can be accredited.
