Vice Chancellor, Ojaja University, Eyenkorin, Kwara, Professor Jeleel Olasunkami Ojuade, has called for inclusion of private universities in Nigeria as beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Speaking with journalists ahead of maiden and combined convocation ceremony of Ojaja University, Professor Ojuade, emphasised the need for equitable access to TETFund resources to address pressing infrastructural and academic challenges that private institutions face.
The Vice-Chancellor also urged the National Assembly to review the existing law governing TETFund disbursements to ensure that both public and private universities benefit.
He argued that private institutions, though independent, are critical to the nation’s educational development and should not be excluded from the support provided by the fund.
“Ojaja University, formerly Crown-Hill University, was established on November 22, 2016, when it was licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as the 66th private university in Nigeria.
“Since its inception, the institution has aimed to provide quality education, but like many private universities, it faces funding challenges that limit its ability to expand and improve infrastructure”.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed concerns about the disproportionate allocation of government resources, lamenting that huge sums are being spent on politics while sectors like education are underfunded.
He called on the federal government to reprioritize its spending, urging it to dedicate specific funds from crude oil sales and revenue generated by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to education.
“The amount of money we spend on politics in this country is excessive compared to what is allocated to education”, Professor Ojuade stated.
“There is an urgent need to provide adequate funding for the education sector. I propose that a portion of crude oil proceeds and FIRS revenue be specifically set aside to support education. Our universities are lagging far behind global standards due to inadequate infrastructure and resources”.
He stressed that the future of Nigeria’s young generation depends on a robust and well-funded education system.
While he acknowledged the need for more universities to accommodate Nigeria’s growing population, he insisted that these institutions must be properly supported if they are to provide quality education.
Professor Ojuade, who heaped praises on the Chancellor of Ojaja University and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II for his support, pointed out that he has been drawing funds from his businesses to sustain the university.
Providing details about the university’s graduates, Professor Ojuade revealed that a total of 183 students would be graduating in various disciplines.
The convocation ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, will be attended by several notable dignitaries, including Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the institution’s Proprietor and Chancellor, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, is set to deliver the convocation lecture.
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