Abel Idowu Olayinka

Abel Idowu Olayinka FAS (born 16 February 1958) is a Nigerian professor of applied geophysics. Quotes The Nigerian university system, which began 76 years ago with the University College, Ibadan, now University of Ibadan, has evolved significantly by 2024, with numerous federal, state and private universities established. Despite the proliferation of private universities, enrollment remains predominantly in public universities owing to their affordability. Only six to 10 per cent of students enroll in private universities, which cater to a smaller but growing segment of the population compared to public universities. Public universities remain popular owing to their affordability, because they are subsidised by the Federal Government through funding and staff salaries, supplemented by Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund). State universities also benefit from TETFund and local government support. In contrast, private universities rely heavily on tuition fees and private funding, making them more expensive options. Federal universities, often older institutions, face challenges such as unstable academic calendars owing to staff unrest and demands for improved service conditions. These issues, alongside varying tuition costs and accommodation expenses, cause the diverse challenges within Nigeria’s higher education system. disrupts our academic environment. At universities such as UI, where the academic year ideally runs from September to June, the reality often falls short. This inconsistency means students who enroll for a four-year course end up spending five to six years. Just last week, while traveling from Lagos to Ibadan, I met a fellow passenger who spent six years on a Bachelor of Science degree. His elder brother studied Medicine at UI from 2012 to 2020, enduring eight years owing to these disruptions. Such delays come with high opportunity costs; his brother is now abroad, frustrated by the prolonged journey through Nigerian education. Several underlying factors contribute to the recurring strikes by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). These include the conditions of service for staff, working environments, and inadequate facilities such as laboratories and conference opportunities. When salaries are low and staff cannot access conferences, journals, or internet facilities, dissatisfaction escalates, often resulting in strikes. External links Category:Living people Category:1958 births Category:Academics from Nigeria Category:University of London alumni Category:University of Birmingham alumni Category:Physicists from Nigeria