In an interview with Arise TV, Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah expressed concerns about the growing promotion of ethnic and religious biases in Nigerian universities.
Kukah highlighted what he saw as a troubling trend of reduced diversity and meritocracy in universities in the country, particularly those located in Northern Nigeria.
During the interview, he mentioned specific instances such as the construction of a mosque at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the restrictions on building churches at Usman Dan Fodio University and Bayero University in Northern Nigeria.
According to Kukah, the lack of integration and interrelation among students, as well as the limitations on building places of worship on university campuses, are signs of a larger societal issue.
He pointed out that the decline in diversity and meritocracy is evident across Nigerian universities, citing the example of Ahmadu Bello University, which previously had lecturers from various parts of the world.
Reflecting on the situation, Kukah remarked, “Our universities have regressed into being hotbeds of ethnic biases, losing their former status as institutions fostering inclusivity and learning.”