Don seeks merger of universities to encourage specialisation

By Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

A former Head of Department of Chemistry University of Ibadan, Professor Ezekiel Adesogan has called on the federal government to halt the granting of license for establishment of more universities, and concentrate on how to make the existing ones more effective to meet the yearnings of Nigerians  .

Rather than establishing more universities , the world acclaimed chemistry scholar suggested a  merger  of  universities to encourage specialisation and allow for proper funding  of research for technological development .

Professor Adesogan , while expressing dismay over the seemingly rot and poor research facilities in most universities , stated that there is urgent need to reduce the number of universities presently in the country to give room for efficiency and adequate  funding .

With a population of about 200 million, Nigeria has 43 federal universities, 48 state universities and 79 private university , making it a total of 170 universities  .

At a press conference held at the Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan to herald  the 80th birthday celebration of the renowned chemistry educator at the weekend, the celebrant who addressed newsmen at the epoch event , described the present state of Nigerian universities as appalling and worrisome .