VC seeks govt support for private universities

Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, has called for enhanced government support for private universities, emphasizing their crucial role in national human-capital development. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Adeniyi highlighted the substantial financial challenges private institutions face in maintaining quality education, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance.

Adeniyi argued that private universities are often mistakenly perceived as purely profit-driven entities. He stressed the immense costs associated with establishing and sustaining academic programs, recruiting qualified faculty, providing essential facilities, and meeting stringent regulatory standards. "Anybody who thinks it is a profit-making organisation is just making a mistake," he stated, pointing to the difficulties in hiring staff, acquiring facilities, managing utilities, and undertaking capital-intensive projects.

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Anybody who thinks it is a profit-making organisation is just making a mistake. Look at what it entails to hire staff, buy facilities, provide utilities and execute huge capital-intensive projects. It is difficult.

He asserted that graduates from private universities contribute equally to the Nigerian economy and workforce as their counterparts from public institutions. Adeniyi expressed openness to support from initiatives like TETFund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund), suggesting that such interventions would bolster the capacity of private universities to deliver high-quality education and remain viable.

Baze University, established approximately 15 years ago by Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, aims to redefine tertiary education in Nigeria and compete globally. Adeniyi noted the university's strategic location in Abuja, its investment in a conducive learning environment, and its efforts to maintain competitive fees despite receiving no direct government funding. The institution adheres strictly to regulations set by the National Universities Commission, JAMB, and the Federal Ministry of Education. The university is also focused on enhancing academic standards by recruiting international scholars and plans to implement external examiners to ensure global best practices.

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We are all citizens of this country. I don’t mind if TETFund wants to support us.