FG warns tertiary institutions against exploitative PPP deals

Nigeria’s Federal Government has warned universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions against public-private partnerships that put investor profits ahead of students’ welfare. Speaking in Abuja, Dr Folake David of the Federal Ministry of Education said projects must remain affordable and accessible, deliver measurable social benefits and improve learning outcomes. She said PPPs can bring private capital and expertise to develop infrastructure such as laboratories and student hostels as public resources dwindle. At a forum organised with the Nigerian Institute of Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership, PPP officers were urged to develop viable, bankable projects while safeguarding the public interest.