Happiness Uduk, the Calabar zonal coordinator of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has described the proliferation of universities in the country as a worrisome trend.

Ms Uduk said at a press conference in Uyo on Monday that the trend was not in the interest of the nation’s education sector.

Ms Uduk said that rather than establishing more universities, governments and other stakeholders should ensure adequate funding for the existing ones.

“The proliferation of universities across the country is not in the best interest of the education sector. The existing ones should be adequately funded.

“It is better to strengthen the existing universities than to put more stress on the funding system,” she said.

The coordinator said the country needed universities with the requisite equipment and facilities to enhance learning.

“We do not need glorified secondary schools; efforts should be made to position our universities for optimal performance,” she said.

Ms Uduk condemned the current administration’s education loan policy, saying that it will put students into debt.

“Instead of loans, let the money be put into intervention projects in tertiary institutions,” she opined.

The coordinator also called for the reinstatement of the suspended academic union leaders at Ebonyi State University.

She said the suspended leaders had yet to be reinstated despite the National Industrial Court’s judgement in their favour.

Ms Uduk also urged the Abia government to pay arrears of 11 months’ salaries and other allowances owed to union members.

She expressed displeasure over the country’s high cost of living, saying, ” Many Nigerians are hungry and facing severe hardship.”

Ms Uduk called on the federal government to take steps towards reducing the poverty level in the country.

ASUU leaders from the zone were present at the press conference.

(NAN)