The Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin in Ondo State, Prof Olukayode Amund, has advocated that the Nigerian government should provide funding support for private universities in the country, saying this would boost university education and fast-track a knowledge-based society.
Amund who stated this during a press conference to herald the 4th and 5th convocation of the institution, said private universities deserve some support in the area of access to financing for research and development
The Vice-Chancellor who called on the Federal government for a review of the act that established TETFUND to create a revolving fund and project interventions for private universities in Nigeria noted that private universities are responding to the unemployability of Nigerian graduates at all levels, through entrepreneurship education.
He said “Only public universities have access to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, but private universities deserve also a share to develop the education sector in the country.
“Without state assistance, the proprietor is forced to continue to give subsidies and grants. The capacity of the proprietor to do this determines whether the private institution is sustainable or not.”
While reeling out the activities lined up for the convocation ceremony which will commence on September 17, 2012, the Vice-Chancellor, said a total of 413 students would be graduating from the institution during the convocation, saying 48 students made First Class while 184 were in the range of 2nd Class (Upper Division)163 made 2nd Class (Lower Division) with 18 of the graduating students making 3rd class.
He said the convocation lecture with the title, “Does Nigeria’s Development Cap-fit the Nigerian University System?” would be delivered by the former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Peter Okebukola while the convocation, conferment of degrees and awards of prizes will hold on September 17, 2021.
He informed that the institution has made a remarkable leap since its establishment, saying “Elizade University was ranked 46 among the best 50 Universities with quality scientific output in Nigeria. The ranking was done by an international ranking organization based in Turkey. The recent lead in the ranking ladder was as a result of the various relevant researches recently conducted by the University.
“The Faculty Of Engineering in collaboration with the Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences developed an innovative microcontroller-based, low-maintenance, durable multi-band radio receiver with a grant from the Voice Of Reason Foundation (VOR).
“A mini FM Radio Station is being developed at Elizade University, which would function as a Campus Radio Station for dissemination of information as well as an instructional instrument for Mass Communication Students, while broadcast WOUld be limited to the perimeter of the University.
“The University has also developed a technology for the conversion of waste banana and plantain stems into long strips of fibres using a maChine designed and fabricated at our Engineering Workshop.
“The extracted fibres are convertible into yams for weaving of carpet rugs, textile materials and production of gypsum/POP acoustic boards. It is our intention to transfer this technology to Uara-Mokin Community as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
As part of efforts to boost the infrastructural development of the institution, Amund disclosed that two buildings worth over N2b would be commissioned in the institution in order to enhance the school as one of the front line private universities in the country.
He said the two buildings which include an Ultra-modern Engineering Complex estimated to be N1.1b and 400-seater student’s Hall of Residence worth N1.125b would be commissioned ahead of the convocation of university slated for this week.
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