Establishment of educational institution; not a legislative function

By Etolor Anslem

From my little understanding of executive and legislative functions, it is the exclusive prerogative of the executive to establish educational institutions of learning. While it is the duty of the legislature to give legislative approval and legal backing to such institutions so established.

There is an emerging trend in our political system, championied by members of the house of representatives and senate, where each member is seen to be sponsoring bills for the establishment of higher institutions in their constituency.

Sometimes, most National Assembly members sponsor bills under the guise of establishing higher educational institutions in their constituency with the sole intent of adding it to their credit of bills sponsored.

Presently in Nigeria, this current practice of every legislature sponsoring one form of higher educational institutions establishment bill has only made our democracy laughable because the main issues of economy and security that requires laws to address the challenges in these sectors are lacking.

There are myriad of problems affecting the Nigerian people which members of the National Assembly can address by passing modern laws which will address issues such as estimated billing by distribution companies, cable TV subscription and unwarranted deductions by commercial banks and telecommunications companies.

We have a national security crisis in Nigeria, and there is need to strengthen our internal security especially in border communities which are more endangered. Nigeria does not have accurate data of her citizens and this is the biggest threat to national security. It is expected that members of the national assembly will provide quality legislation aimed at addressing these challenges so as to ensure that Nigerians are safe in any part of the country they find themselves.

Presently in Nigeria, our higher educational institutions are grossly underfunded and are no where near the best ranking universities in the world, due principally to dearth of infrastructure and manpower as well as poor management and obsolete academic curriculum which the schools use in training their students who cannot compete favourably with their peers when it comes to exhibiting practical knowledge and field skills.

It is necessary for us to get our priorities right. The National Assembly, should strengthen its oversight function and ensure that budgetary provisions for MDAs are adequately utilized in line with the relevant procurement processes as well as ensuring that standards are met, and ensure that there is value for money spent in government.

Finally, there is need the to understand the powers, functions and privileges of the executive and legislative branches of government in a federal and democratic state, such as Nigeria.