Extend TETFund to private varsities, FG told

An alumnus of the Ajayi Crowther University, Mr Olaoluwa Olotu, has called on the Federal Government to extend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to private universities in Nigeria with proper legislation and mechanisms to ensure proper utilisation of such funds.

The call was made on Monday at the First Alumni Lecture of the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, held at the university’s auditorium.

He said that the overall tertiary education structure of the nation comprises both private and public universities.

Olotu, who is the guest lecturer, said the task to create an environment for the thriving of quality education in Nigeria requires the government to perform its duties rightly, adding that those concerned with the affairs of education in the country should ensure a balanced achievement of its educational and social missions.

He said: “Management and financing in higher education should be instruments to improve quality of education and its relevance. Government should also focus on the production of graduates that are fit to meet the expectations of the industry today.

“Government should also encourage high level proficiency in ICT in order to meet up with world innovations in learning which can also be done through encouraging e-learning and distance learning.”

Speaking on the topic: “Ajayi Crowther University Brand: The impact pathway”, Mr Olotu said Ajayi Crowther University was founded as a channel to uphold the legacy of the CMS in pioneering education, for upholding the tenets of Christian faith.

He opined that university graduates, who form the workforce in the society, are, therefore, pivotal to the generation of new or better still, improved and innovative knowledge.