Nigerian universities struggle to access global funding due to financial secrecy—Athena Centre
By Sabiu Abdullahi
A report by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership has revealed that Nigerian universities rank among the least transparent globally, with none of the surveyed institutions making their financial records publicly accessible.
The findings were presented on Wednesday, March 5, in Abuja during the launch of two research institutes under the Athena Centre—the Athena Dr. Arthur Nwankwo Institute for Education and Intellectual Freedom and the Athena Prof. Olikoye Ransom Institute for Health and Social Equity.
According to the Transparency Survey Report titled “A National Embarrassment: Reforming Transparency in Nigerian Universities to Unlock Global Funding and Restore Credibility,” the study examined 64 universities across the country.
It found that none of them published their budgets, audited financial statements, or visitation panel reports on their websites.
Additionally, the report indicated that no institution disclosed details of its internally generated revenue (IGR) or how such funds were utilized.
Requests for financial information under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act were either ignored or outrightly denied.
The event, which was attended by key figures including Dr. Angus Ikpe (representing the Minister of Health and Social Welfare), Dr. Ejeb A.U (representing the Minister of State for Education), former Senator Dino Melaye, and ex-Minister of Youth and Sports Bolaji Abdullahi, featured a keynote address by Osita Chidoka, the Chancellor of the Athena Centre.
Chidoka noted that financial secrecy remains a significant obstacle to the growth of Nigeria’s higher education sector.
“The time for excuses is over. Transparency is not optional—it’s the key to unlocking funding, restoring trust, and positioning Nigerian universities as credible players on the global stage.
“This culture of secrecy is driving away donors, blocking global partnerships, and starving our universities of much-needed funding.
“Global research consistently shows that transparent universities secure more research grants, partnerships, and international student enrollments.
“Universities should be role models of openness, accountability, and innovation, not fortresses of secrecy,” he stated.
Chidoka further noted that the Athena Centre, with the support of relevant stakeholders, plans to collaborate with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory bodies to institutionalize transparency and governance reforms within the sector.