VCs urge Tinubu to prioritise funding, research and scholarship in varsities

Vice Chancellors of universities in Oyo State have set agenda for the incoming administration of Bola Tinubu.

The VCs, drawn from Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo; Kola Daisi University (KDU), Ibadan and Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan, urged Tinubu to increase budgetary allocation to education, fund research and support private universities to set the country on the trajectory of accelerated development.

ACU Vice chancellor, Prof. Adeniyi Olatubosun (SAN) said expectations are high from the president-elect.

The VC said: “The expectation is that a new government that is going to take up the mantle of leadership on May 29 would give more attention to the education sector as it remains the bedrock of the society.

For instance, he advocated increased budgetary allocation to the sector, while appealing to the incoming administration to create a supportive concept for private university system.

“The private university system requires deliberately constituted enabling environment to significantly contribute to the growth of the education sector. In doing this, there will be reduction of the tax burden on private universities. We expect the incoming administration to ensure that private universities are favourably positioned to complement the federal and state universities.

“Schemes should be put in place to enable students key in and benefit from funds to be provided by the government. With BVN already in place, adequate documentation and subsequent tracking of students who would access loans would be possible. Indigent students would, therefore, be able to successfully complete their education. Eventually, after graduation, they can repay their loans while working.

“There is also a need to increase electricity support for private universities. Adequate and cost effective electricity or access to energy supply will inadvertently make for better performance of private universities. Hopes are high.

The plights of lecturers and other labour unions should be looked into. The incoming administration should make policies that will enhance industrial harmony. By attaining peace at this precinct, the aspirations of the youths of Nigeria would have been met.”

On his part, Prof Julius Oloke of PCU, said collaboration between government and universities should be promoted, where universities provide fact-based research to difficult problems, making it easier for government to solve them.

Besides, he emphasised on provision of research grants and enabling environment for private universities to thrive.