The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has called on the government and university authorities to take urgent steps to address some of the major challenges facing tertiary education in the country.
The association particularly raised concerns about the way government funds and intervention programmes are handled in universities. It called for greater transparency in the disbursement and management of funds, including allocations and development interventions from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
According to NAUS, students and other stakeholders need to know how funds meant for universities are being used. The association said proper accountability would help ensure that such interventions have a direct impact on students and improve conditions in higher institutions.
NAUS also stressed the importance of maintaining a stable academic calendar. It noted that strikes, administrative delays and unexpected closures often interrupt academic activities and make it difficult for students to complete their programmes as scheduled.
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The association further appealed to the government to increase funding for the education sector. However, it said improving funding should go hand in hand with proper utilization of available resources.
NAUS identified infrastructure, research facilities and conducive learning environments as areas that require more attention from university administrators.
The association urged relevant authorities to work towards reducing disruptions in academic activities while ensuring that funds provided for tertiary education are properly managed.
It maintained that addressing these issues would create better conditions for learning and help students complete their university education within the expected period. NAUS also called for continued dialogue between students, university management, and government authorities in finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing tertiary education.
