National University Commission and the Challenges of Attaining Minimum Academic Standards in a Global Economy

Abstract

University education is the zenith of academic pursuit and a knowledge factory where individual potential is identified, nurtured and developed for the benefit of the individual and the development of society. It is where the manpower needs of societies are built and honed for sustainable development. To achieve these laudable goals the National Universities Commission has the onus of not only ensuring the orderly development of universities in Nigeria but also determining the minimum academic standard among others. The study is to discuss the National Universities Commission and the Challenges of attaining minimum academic standards in a global economy. The influx of digital technology has caused a paradigm shift in the academic landscape with a vista of opportunities and challenges. Digital technology has transformed the educational system and for Nigerian universities to be competitive in the global economy, the managers of the education system need to be reskilled on the use of digital tools. The study examines some of the challenges of the National University Commission as the paucity of funds and inadequate personnel with professional knowledge among others. As a way further, the paper suggests a legal framework that will compel all levels of government to budget not less than 20% of their annual budgets to education to enable the managers of education to reskill the teachers, students and the university communities in digital technology and competency.