NIGERIA

NIGERIA: Academics oppose nine new universities
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has opposed a move by Nigeria's federal government to establish nine universities, writes Jide Orintunsin for The Nation. The union said there had been no proper planning, as existing universities have not been adequately funded.Presenting the position in Minna though its National President Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie, the ASUU said the move to establish new universities was fundamentally and procedurally flawed, by lack of planning and the dire neglect of the existing varsities.
Describing the creation of additional institutions as a "political gimmick", the union pointed out that the federal government had failed to consider the shortfall of more than 30,000 academic staff in existing universities, and should rectify this problems before setting up new institutions.
Full report on The Nation site