The National Universities Commission (NUC) says it will leverage foreign investors’ transnational education initiative to enhance enrolment and bridge the gap in demand and supply for higher education in Nigeria.

Chris Maiyaki, acting executive secretary of NUC, disclosed this at the maiden annual general meeting of the International Studies Alumni Association, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, on Monday.

Mr Maiyaki, who was also the chairman of the occasion, said NUC was confronted with a huge gap between demand and supply, adding that about two million prospective students seek administration into Nigerian universities annually.

According to him, the 274 nation’s universities put together can only accommodate between 500,000 and 700,000 applicants; “by this scenario, a huge chunk of the applicants are left unaccounted for.

“As a matter of policy, the NUC consummated a transnational education initiative where foreign investors would come into the country and open branch campuses and undertake training arrangements, open teaching institutions, among other several arrangements.”

The initiative, he said, would be under strict adherence to the regulatory provisions of the NUC.

While reflecting on the AGM, Mr Maiyaki said: “At a moment like this,  we need to look back to our alma mater towards harnessing its potential.”

He added that alumni were potential sources of support all over the world and commended the interim committee of the International Studies Alumni Association for its ability to galvanise resources for the AGM.

Mr Maiyaki urged the Departmental Alumni and general body of the ABU Alumni Association to tap into their huge resources, networks and groups dynamics to bear in moving forward the frontier of knowledge, starting with ABU.

Earlier, Muntari Kaita, the interim chairman of the association, said the association consists of seasoned diplomats, academicians, specialised diplomatic journalists and other professionals.

Mr Kaita said the aim of the association was to encourage relationships between the university community and the association.

“Our members are determined to create synergy by giving back to our great alma mater in order to motivate the lecturers and students to aspire for greater heights.

“In doing so, the association has donated hundreds of books and other literary works to the Department of Political Science and International Studies Library,’’ Mr Kaita said.

The event featured a presentation of a public lecture titled “ECOWAS and challenges of regional integration in Africa” by Abdullahi Shehu.

The ceremony was also accompanied by an election of new executives for the association.

(NAN)