Reps Urge Tinubu to Revive Nigeria’s First-Generation Universities, Probe TETFund Projects

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The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to take urgent steps toward restoring the lost glory of Nigeria’s first-generation universities, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; the University of Ibadan (UI); and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), among others.

This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Aderemi Oseni (APC, Oyo) during Wednesday’s plenary, titled “Need to Upgrade First-Generation Universities and Investigate the Quality and Standards of TETFUND Projects Across Federal Universities in Nigeria.”

Lawmakers expressed concern that decades of neglect, inadequate funding, and infrastructural decay have eroded the prestige of Nigeria’s oldest institutions once regarded as centres of academic excellence and global recognition.

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House Moves to Probe TETFund Projects

Hon. Oseni lamented the deterioration of lecture halls, hostels, and other facilities, noting that once vibrant features such as university zoos — formerly tourist attractions — have become derelict or non-existent.

He further raised alarm over the poor quality of TETFund intervention projects, saying many newly completed buildings are already showing structural decay, unlike those constructed over six decades ago.

In response, the House resolved to:

• Investigate the quality and standards of all TETFund projects across federal universities;

• Ensure accountability and value for money in the use of public funds; and

• Direct the Ministries of Education and Finance, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and TETFund to collaborate with development partners on upgrading first-generation universities.

The relevant committees were mandated to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

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Background

Nigeria’s first-generation universities — including ABU, UI, UNN, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) — were founded in the early 1960s and once ranked among Africa’s leading academic institutions.

Lawmakers noted that these universities have lost their competitive edge internationally, largely due to poor funding, outdated infrastructure, and declining academic standards.