Professor Jeleel Olasunkami Ojuade, Vice Chancellor of Ojaja University, Eyenkorin, Kwara, has called for private universities in Nigeria to be included as Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) beneficiaries.
During a press briefing ahead of the maiden and combined convocation of Ojaja University, Professor Ojuade emphasized the importance of fair access to TETFund resources to address the academic and infrastructural challenges confronting private universities.
He further urged the National Assembly to amend the law regulating TETFund allocations, allowing both public and private universities to benefit from the fund.
He argued that although private institutions are independently managed, they are vital contributors to Nigeria’s educational growth and should be entitled to TETFund support.
“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 uneven distribution of government resources, stating that excessive amounts of money are being spent on politics while sectors such as education receive insufficient funding.
He urged the government to redirect its spending priorities, recommending that revenue from crude oil sales and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) be set aside specifically to support 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 emphasized that the nation’s youth depend on a well-supported and properly funded educational system.
While acknowledging the need for more universities to accommodate Nigeria’s expanding population, he insisted that these institutions require adequate funding to maintain the quality of education.
Professor Ojuade also expressed his appreciation for the university’s Chancellor, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who has been using his personal business income to keep the university operational.
As for the university’s graduating class, the Vice-Chancellor announced that 183 students will be graduating from various programs.
The convocation ceremony, slated for Saturday, will feature several prominent figures, including Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who is the university’s Proprietor and Chancellor.
The convocation lecture will be delivered by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.