Vice Chancellor, Lead City University, Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Onabajo, on Monday, December 7, raised alarm that many private universities in Nigeria may be forced to close down if the Federal Government refuses to come to their aid through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND.
Onabajo expressed the fear on Monday, December 7, while addressing newsmen on the 10th anniversary and eighth convocation ceremony of the university, held at its International Conference Centre.
The academician said it was important for all Nigerians, regardless of their background, to benefit from TETFUND since it was meant for the education sector, adding that the scheme would improve the education sector in the country if the Federal Government recognizes private institutions in disbursing the fund.
He said: “Since TETFUND is the contribution from the private sector to education sector in the country, private universities are also entitled to benefit from it."
"Secondly, the law that established TETFUND was enacted before the establishment of private universities in Nigeria.
"So, one could understand why private universities were not captured in the law; and thirdly, since most of the students and their parents are Nigerians who are paying taxes, why should they not benefit from the Federal Government’s scheme when their counterparts in public schools are benefiting?," he quizzed.