The Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has called on the Federal Government to extend Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) grants and projects to private universities in Nigeria to enhance academic performance and sustainability.
Professor Gambari made the appeal on Saturday during the 17th convocation ceremony of Crescent University, where 667 students graduated with various degrees for the 2024/2025 academic session.
He also urged the federal, state, and local governments to grant tax waivers to private universities, noting that many of them are struggling with financial challenges in their efforts to sustain academic activities.
The chancellor expressed concern over the rising cost of running private institutions, citing the impact of fuel subsidy removal as a major cause of the financial strain. According to him, the university’s monthly electricity bill, which stood at about ₦1 million two years ago, has now risen to over ₦20 million.
He explained that expenses on security, solar energy, internet subscriptions, library resources, and other essential services had also increased significantly, putting further pressure on private universities.
Professor Gambari noted that private universities play a vital role in providing quality education and helping to bridge the gap for admission-seeking youths who cannot gain entry into public institutions.
He said, “I charge the Federal Government to include private universities in TETFund and support them through competitive research grants that are fairly distributed across all geopolitical zones. The government should view private universities as partners in national development, not merely as revenue-generating institutions. I also propose tax waivers for these universities, considering their contributions to human capital development.”
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Crescent University, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, also appealed to the government to extend TETFund benefits to private universities to enhance research and academic growth.
He congratulated the overall best graduating student, Ganiyu Feranmi, of the Bola Ajibola College of Law, and commended the graduating class for their achievements.
Professor Gbajabiamila reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for examination malpractice, indecent dressing, cultism, drug abuse, and other anti-social vices, while urging parents to guide their children towards discipline and responsibility.
Earlier, the Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prince Muhammad Ajibola, said the legacy of his late father, Prince Bola Ajibola, continues to inspire the management to improve academic performance through innovation, research, and modern technology.
