On Wednesday 29th October 2025, Hon. Aderemi A. Oseni highlighted the deteriorating state of the First-Generation Federal Universities in Nigeria, which were once regarded as beacons of educational excellence. These institutions, established in the early 1960s, were celebrated for their quality of education, distinguished faculty, and modern infrastructure, drawing students from both domestic and international backgrounds.
However, Oseni expressed concerns over the noticeable decline in the quality and standards of these universities, including renowned institutions such as the University of Ibadan, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Years of neglect have led to significant deterioration in infrastructure, including lecture halls, hostels, and auditoriums. In addition, previously vibrant facilities, such as the universities’ zoos that once attracted tourists, have fallen into decay or disappeared entirely.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) was established to address these infrastructure challenges through various intervention projects. However, Oseni raised alarms regarding the subpar quality of some of these projects, noting that newly completed works are deteriorating more rapidly than older constructions.
The House resolved to advocate for a comprehensive effort by the Federal Ministries of Education and Finance, along with the National Universities Commission and TETFund, to devise plans to refurbish these First-Generation Universities and restore their former prestige. Furthermore, it mandated the relevant committees to investigate the quality and standards of TETFund projects across the nation’s tertiary institutions, ensuring that public funds are used effectively.
The legislative body has set a timeline of four weeks for compliance and reporting back on the progress of these initiatives, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the declining condition of these pivotal educational institutions.
