Former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Professor Wande Abimbola, has warned that Nigerian universities face collapse, as reported by Daily Independent on Tuesday, 16 September, 2025.
He said the Federal Government must urgently rescue the system.
Prof. Abimbola raised the alarm while speaking at Boiling Point Arena, a monthly interview programme.
The event was hosted by media professional Dr. Ayo Arowojolu and chaired by Oba Saka Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu.
It was broadcast live on several radio stations and cable television.
The respected scholar compared professors’ pay in Nigeria to wages abroad.
He noted that a Nigerian professor earns about ₦500,000 monthly, which is close to what a gardener in the United States makes in just three hours.
He described this as disgraceful and harmful to education.
Prof. Abimbola, who has taught in American universities even at the age of 92, said that poor funding is the biggest problem.
He lamented that the quality of universities has fallen since the late 1980s. According to him, buildings are decaying, and once beautiful lawns have become overgrown with weeds.
He criticised government for establishing more universities while neglecting existing ones.
He said there was no point creating new institutions when the old ones were not properly funded.
“Recently, about two years ago, I went back to the University where I was the VC. I visited my Department, and I was told that a full professor earns about N500,000 monthly. When we converted the amount, this is almost equivalent to the $300 academics elsewhere in the United States that is what my gardener earns in 3 hours. It’s a big shame to the Nigerian Government,” he said.
Leave a Reply