The Vice Chancellor of Wesley University, Prof. Sunday Obeka, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to inclusive education, declaring it the only university in Nigeria where deaf students are fully integrated into all academic programmes using sign language.
Speaking during the matriculation ceremony of 1,288 new students, Obeka revealed that the university is collaborating with Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., to establish a world-class “Deaf Space” academic environment. He noted that trained interpreters are already in place to support deaf students across disciplines.
Obeka also used the occasion to call on the Federal Government to revisit the exclusion of private universities from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). He described the policy as discriminatory, pointing out that private institutions continue to make significant contributions to national development.
“Our students and lecturers play vital roles in nation-building, yet we are denied access to TETFund resources,” he lamented. “This neglect is not only unjust but also hinders the progress of the education sector at large.”
Advising the newly admitted students, the VC urged them to steer clear of social vices and stay focused on their academic goals. He praised their choice of Wesley University, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence, moral discipline, and timely graduation.
“At Wesley, a one-year programme takes one year, and a two-year programme won’t exceed two years,” he assured. “We run a structured academic calendar and uphold integrity in all we do.”
Obeka further announced that the university has secured accreditation for 25 new academic programmes and is experiencing rapid academic and infrastructural growth. He revealed that construction has commenced at the university’s permanent site along Ore Road, a 200-hectare facility donated by the Ondo Kingdom, which will house key academic buildings and the upcoming Deaf Space Project.
He expressed appreciation to the institution’s partners and benefactors, including the Badejo, Odejayi, and Akingbule families, who have contributed various facilities. A notable daughter of Ondo Kingdom is also building a four-classroom block, expected to be completed ahead of the 2025 convocation.
Additionally, the VC disclosed that postgraduate students of the institution have begun external examination defenses, with many earning high commendations as first-class researchers.
