National Assembly Committees: The Albatross Around Nigerian Polytechnics Necks

The recent revelations about National Assembly Committees extorting money from universities to approve their budgets are a stark reminder of the existential threats facing Nigerian polytechnics. Instead of providing adequate funding and support, these committees are suffocating our institutions with their draconian oversight functions and extortionate demands.

It’s appalling that lawmakers, who are supposed to be the custodians of our democracy, are engaging in such brazen acts of corruption. The demand for huge sums of money from universities to approve their budgets is a classic example of the lawless impunity that has become the hallmark of our National Assembly.

But what’s even more disturbing is the impact of these extortionate practices on our polytechnics. Already struggling with inadequate funding and infrastructure, these institutions are now being bled dry by the very people who are supposed to be supporting them. The consequences are dire: crumbling infrastructure, demotivated staff, and students who are denied the quality education they deserve.

Despite the fact that members of these committees have different ways, known and unknown to many Nigerians, of making huge money for themselves, they won’t allow our tertiary institutions to be. We are calling on the executive and all major stakeholders in Nigeria to prevail on the National Assembly to help the polytechnics and the education sector in general to survive instead of making them cash cows, despite the paucity of funds that is facing them.

The National Assembly’s treatment of Nigerian polytechnics is nothing short of alarming. Despite the country’s education sector facing significant funding challenges, it’s disheartening to see lawmakers prioritizing their own interests over the needs of these institutions.

It’s unacceptable that committee members are using their positions to enrich themselves, while stifling the growth of polytechnics. The lack of funding and support has severe consequences, including inadequate infrastructure, demotivated staff, and students who miss out on quality education.

Furthermore, the long-term effects of these extortionate practices will be catastrophic. Nigeria’s economic growth and development are inextricably linked to the quality of its education system. By strangling our polytechnics, we are essentially strangling our future. The consequences will be felt for generations to come, as Nigeria struggles to compete with other nations in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Additionally, the actions of these committee members are a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the Nigerian people. They were elected to serve the interests of their constituents, not to line their own pockets. Their behavior is a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and transparency in our governance structures.

To address this crisis, we urge the executive and major stakeholders to intervene, compelling the National Assembly to rethink its approach. Polytechnics should be nurtured, not exploited as cash cows. The proposed amendment to the Federal Polytechnics Act, aimed at promoting equity and access to tertiary education, is a step in the right direction.

We need to see more concrete actions, such as increased funding and support for polytechnics, to ensure the education sector thrives. It’s time for lawmakers to prioritize the future of Nigerian youth over their own selfish interests..

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