The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to immediately initiate a comprehensive refurbishment of Nigeria’s first-generation universities to restore their lost glory and global academic competitiveness.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Aderemi Oseni (Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Oyo State) during plenary on Wednesday. The affected institutions include the University of Ibadan (UI), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria—established in the early 1960s as premier centres of academic excellence.
The House mandated the Federal Ministries of Education and Finance, the National Universities Commission (NUC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and relevant development partners to design and implement a strategic rehabilitation plan to revitalise these historic institutions.
Lawmakers also resolved to launch an investigation into the quality and execution standards of TETFund projects across federal universities nationwide. The probe seeks to ascertain whether funds were effectively utilised and projects delivered to acceptable standards.
Moving the motion, Oseni recalled that the first-generation universities once symbolised academic prestige and global acclaim, boasting world-class lecturers, high-calibre students, and infrastructure that attracted scholars from across continents.
He, however, lamented that decades of neglect have led to “shameful decay,” citing dilapidated lecture halls, deteriorated hostels, abandoned auditoriums, and once-vibrant university zoos now in ruins or completely phased out.
Oseni further criticised the quality of some TETFund-financed projects, noting that “new buildings funded by the scheme are deteriorating faster than structures built over six decades ago,” raising questions about oversight, compliance, and contractor competence.
He stressed that revitalising the institutions is essential to restoring Nigeria’s leadership in higher education and reviving the country’s reputation for academic excellence on the global stage.
The motion was unanimously adopted, with the House directing relevant committees to monitor compliance and report back for further legislative action.
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