Wesley University, Ondo State has described as frustrating the continued stance of the federal government against supporting private universities in the country through Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund.
The Vice-Chancellor the institution, Prof. Samuel Obeka, who decried the continued exclusion of private universities from TETFund projects, stated that privately owned tertiary institutions have been contributing immensely to the country’s education.
According to Obeka, the lack of external funding has impacted negatively on the growth of private universities in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor, who stated this during the 18th matriculation ceremony of the institution, urged the Federal Government to urgently revisit the TETFund policy to accommodate private institutions.
According to the vice-chancellor, the unavailability of support in terms of funding gaps in private institutions had been one of the major setbacks, which he said required urgent attention.
He maintained that while federal and state universities enjoy financial interventions, private universities are left to cater for development solely through school fees and occasional private donations.
“Our growth has been remarkable, but we can do much more if private universities are allowed access to TETFund.
“We contribute to national development just like public universities. Government support in infrastructure and research grants should be inclusive.”
