The Federal University of Technology, Akure, has urged Nigerian universities to focus more on quality rather than quantity when producing graduates. The institution warned against turning higher education institutions into mere “degree mills.” The call was made during the university’s 15th Registry Annual Lecture.

A Professor of English Literature and Literary Analysis at the University of Lagos, Hope Eghagha, delivered the lecture titled “Quality or Quantity: Rethinking Higher Education Administration in the 21st Century.” He said universities must produce highly skilled and globally competitive graduates instead of just increasing enrolment and graduation numbers.

Eghagha emphasised that balancing educational expansion with academic excellence is a major challenge. He said the true measure of success for universities should shift from producing large numbers of graduates to cultivating professionals with genuine expertise, innovation, and character.

He called for strategic funding, rigorous accreditation, and capacity building over unchecked enrolment.

The Registrar of FUTA, Mr Charles Adeleye, appealed to public-spirited individuals, alumni, and corporate organisations to support the university’s registry. He said such assistance would help the institution remain dynamic and responsive to the demands of university administration.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, said the university is committed to becoming a world-class institution of technology through excellence in teaching, research, and service delivery. She said FUTA will continue to examine issues affecting higher education to improve the system and the country’s education sector.

The lecture highlighted the need for Nigerian universities to prioritise quality education to produce graduates who can compete globally. Many stakeholders believe this approach will help address the challenges facing the country’s higher education system.

The event served as a platform for rethinking how universities can better serve the needs of students and the nation.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper