The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant shift in the structure of the 115 Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs), with plans to unbundle these institutions into separate basic and secondary schools. This development was revealed by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, during the Annual General Meeting of Principals of Unity Colleges in Abuja.
The initiative is driven by the National Policy on Education (NPE), which seeks to modernize and improve the educational landscape in Nigeria. The unbundling of these colleges is aimed at attracting increased funding, improving infrastructure, addressing teachers’ welfare, and creating employment opportunities.
Dr. Sununu emphasized the need to ensure the effective implementation of this policy, stating that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, would expedite the process. He explained that breaking down the Unity Colleges into more focused institutions will allow for better management, more targeted funding, and improved learning environments.
In addition to unbundling the colleges, the event, themed Entrepreneurship Education: A Panacea for Self-Reliance and National Development, highlighted the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students. Dr. Sununu stressed that unemployment is a major challenge in Nigeria, and entrepreneurship education offers a viable solution.
Entrepreneurship education prepares students to think creatively, innovatively, and develop the confidence to take calculated risks, he stated. This shift aims to equip students with practical skills that will enable them to become job creators, rather than job seekers, thus contributing meaningfully to national development.
The success of these initiatives will largely depend on the active participation of the principals and other stakeholders in the educational system. Dr. Sununu called for collaboration in order to enhance the educational environment in these schools. He also urged principals to focus on curbing social vices, promoting a maintenance culture, and working closely with their host communities for the overall security and development of the schools.
Dr. Idowu Akinbamijo, the Chairperson of the Principals of Federal Unity Colleges, also reiterated the importance of the meeting, stating that it serves as a platform to set goals for the coming year and build the capacity needed to meet future challenges.
The unbundling of Unity Colleges is a timely and strategic move to improve Nigeria’s educational system. With a focus on entrepreneurship education, these changes are poised to equip students with the skills needed to address the challenges of unemployment and contribute to the nation's growth. As the government moves forward with these plans, collaboration from all stakeholders will be critical to ensuring their success.