Mayaki: Higher education only sub-sector that holds promise for Nigeria

Nigeria's higher education sector has been highlighted as the beacon of hope for the nation's future, as discussed by the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Mayaki. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa at the British Council's Going Global Africa event, Mayaki emphasized the pivotal role of higher education and the university system in propelling Nigeria's advancement. The decision to select Nigeria as the host country for the inaugural Going Global Regional chapter was hailed as a testament to the escalating renown of Nigerian tertiary education. Mayaki reflected on the strategic positioning of the NUC in aligning with the Nigerian government's six-pillar agenda to reform the education sector. By setting minimum academic standards, conducting program assessments, and spearheading accreditation processes, the NUC ensures universities adhere to guidelines and frameworks. Notably, the NUC recently established guidelines on transnational education, fostering international collaborations and promoting the globalization of Nigerian universities. Mayaki underscored the significance of universities embracing foreign investments, establishing branch campuses, twinning arrangements, and joint degrees to enhance research and innovation. Additionally, to bolster skills development and entrepreneurship, the NUC has pioneered a directorate dedicated to cultivating entrepreneurial acumen among Nigerian graduates, equipping them with essential communication, digital literacy, and critical thinking skills. Mayaki stressed the interplay between public and private sector collaborations, emphasizing the importance of trust, clarity of intentions, and defined roles to ensure fruitful partnerships in curriculum development and infrastructure enhancement. He reiterated the NUC's commitment to quality assurance through rigorous impact assessments, asserting that reputational capital is paramount for universities to thrive. The intersection of quality, collaboration, and impactful outcomes forms the cornerstone of Nigeria's higher education landscape, heralding a bright future for the nation.