Tinubu Asked To Avail Private Varsities Percent From Tetfund

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to approve a defined percentage of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund as steady support for private universities in Nigeria. The move, it has been noted, will make private universities remain relevant and sustainable. The appeal was made by the founder of the newly licensed Jimoh Babalola University, Alhaji […]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to approve a defined percentage of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund as steady support for private universities in Nigeria.

The move, it has been noted, will make private universities remain relevant and sustainable.

The appeal was made by the founder of the newly licensed Jimoh Babalola University, Alhaji Jimoh Babalola, while fielding questions from journalists at the official unveiling of the institution in Ilorin on Thursday.

Babalola said running a university is demanding and costly, noting that only strong commitment by government and proprietors can sustain quality tertiary education.

He described the establishment of the university as a dream realised and urged the Federal Government to consider private institutions in the allocation of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

According to him, “private universities play a key role in reducing pressure on public institutions, expanding access to admission, and grooming youths in technology, science, and general education”.

He said education remains a major pillar for tackling illiteracy and creating direct and indirect jobs across the country.

Babalola also expressed optimism about the future of the institution, projecting that the university would expand beyond Nigeria to other continents in the coming years.

Earlier, the pioneer Acting Vice Chancellor of the five month old university, Prof Muftau Adeniyi Ijaya, said the institution currently depends largely on funding from the proprietor, grants, and partnerships.

Ijaya said the founder has shown uncommon passion for education and continues to shoulder much of the financial burden of running the university.

He added that the institution is open to partnerships and support from individuals and organisations.