Stakeholders in Nigeria’s university community have expressed mixed reactions to the federal government’s decision to cancel foreign training for scholars,leadership reports.
While some see the policy as a step towards enhancing local capacity, others view it as a retrogressive move that could limit access to advanced knowledge and global exposure.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day conference organized by the British Council in Abuja on November 26, 2024, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced that university lecturers would now be trained locally. He explained that the government plans to invest in building simulation labs and upgrading universities to save costs.
“We have decided to cancel foreign training for scholars. The amount spent on training one scholar abroad could train 20 people here. We will train everyone here and focus on unleashing the capacity of our universities,” Alausa said. He also pledged increased funding for research, innovation, and welfare for academic and non-academic staff.
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Two days later, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) announced it would suspend the foreign component of its Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) program starting January 1, 2025. The agency cited high costs and a rising number of scholars absconding as reasons for the suspension.
Reactions to the policy have been varied. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) urged the government to reinvest the savings into improving local university infrastructure and expanding access to higher education.
Dr. Salahu Mohammed Lawal, ASUU’s coordinator for the Abuja zone, said, “If the savings are properly directed, this decision could benefit Nigerian education. Upgrading facilities and investing in research could create world-class opportunities locally.”
However, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the feasibility of the policy. Prof. Maryam Abdu of Kaduna State University argued that the poor exchange rate makes foreign training unsustainable but pointed out that many Nigerian universities lack the capacity to absorb scholars or offer specialized programs.
“There are courses unavailable locally, and this policy could worsen access to such programs. The government should reconsider and continue offering scholarships for select fields,” she said.
Similarly, National Association of University Students (NAUS) President, Comrade Peter Oche Josiah, warned that the decision might limit students’ career prospects and reduce access to specialized programs. He called for increased funding, infrastructure improvements, and partnerships with international institutions to elevate local universities.
“This policy could harm Nigeria’s reputation unless local education standards are significantly improved. The success of this initiative hinges on the government’s commitment to transforming local universities into world-class institutions,” Josiah noted.
Public affairs analyst Barrister Carl Umegboro criticized the policy, calling it a shortsighted response to systemic abuses. “Rather than outright cancellation, the government should address the abuses by implementing checks and balances. Foreign training exposes scholars to global standards and experiences that cannot always be replicated locally,” he said.
Parents and students have also expressed reservations. A medical student at Obafemi Awolowo University, Azeez Abidemi, argued that limiting lecturers to local training could hinder their access to groundbreaking research. Similarly, a parent, Mr. Olayiwola Atanda, emphasized the importance of staying updated with global advancements in technology and education.
Many stakeholders urged the government to reconsider its stance, particularly when significant funds are still being spent on overseas trips for officials. They argued that global exposure and practical knowledge remain essential for driving innovation and maintaining international competitiveness in education and research.
