CHALLENGES OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM IN NIGERIAN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

This paper takes a look at the extent to which Nigerian higher institutions has enjoyed academic freedom. It is observed that higher institutions in Nigeria are expected to enjoy the traditional areas of freedom in the area of admission of students; appointment of staff; teaching, research and determination of content of courses. The paper however observes that in spite of this commitment, higher institutions in Nigeria have been facing many challenges, which make the achievement of academic freedom very difficult. It notes that higher institutions have been hampered by the activities of some agencies, such as the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). The paper therefore concludes and recommended that for higher institutions to meet the needs of the world around its research and teaching must be morally and intellectually independent of all political authority
and economic power, and Senates of universities and academic board of high institutions should set their procedures for selecting their student among others.