Professor Noah Yusuf, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, has called on the National Assembly to amend the Act establishing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to allow private universities to benefit from its financial support, which is currently reserved for public institutions.
Speaking to journalists in Ilorin as his five-year tenure came to an end on Monday, Professor Yusuf argued that since TETFund’s revenue comes largely from private sector contributions, private universities should also have access to the fund.
He maintained that providing TETFund support to private universities would enhance infrastructure development, research capabilities, and the overall quality of learning in these institutions. He therefore appealed to lawmakers to consider revising the Act to include private institutions in its scope.
Looking back on his time in office, Professor Yusuf expressed regret that his administration was unable to complete plans for a university printing press, despite the institution investing over ₦7 million in the project. He attributed the setback to “certain circumstances” beyond his control.
Nonetheless, he highlighted several significant achievements during his tenure, including the introduction of inaugural lectures, the publication of annual reports, and the establishment of international schools.
Professor Yusuf recalled that when he assumed office in July 2020, Al-Hikmah University was facing significant challenges and lacked adequate infrastructure.
“At that time, we operated three campuses—Igbaja, Adeta, and Atere—none of which were fenced. Today, all three campuses are fully secured,” he said.
He noted that when he took office, the university offered 45 academic programmes and had an enrollment of just over 3,000 students. Shortly afterward, the National Universities Commission (NUC) scheduled an accreditation exercise for 23 of the university’s programmes.
“We successfully secured accreditation for 21 programmes initially, and two years later, the remaining two received full accreditation as well. Currently, all our courses are fully accredited,” he explained.
On infrastructural development, Professor Yusuf shared that his administration transformed the Igbaja campus with the construction of four farmhouses and built a gym and recreational centre at the Adeta campus.
At the Atere campus, new hostels were constructed through donations from former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari—a gesture he said strengthened students’ confidence in the university community.
“We live among our students and use the same facilities they do, which has helped build trust,” he added.
Describing his tenure as a period of revitalization, Professor Yusuf remarked, “When I assumed leadership, the university was nearly at a standstill. But working together, we were able to revive and reposition it.”
He also emphasized the improvements made to staff welfare and the university’s work environment. “One of my first steps was to engage with staff and listen to their concerns,” he said.
During his tenure, over 40 percent of staff received loans, and many were sponsored to attend both local and international trainings and conferences. He said these initiatives boosted staff morale and significantly improved academic delivery.
Professor Yusuf noted with pride that Al-Hikmah University is now ranked as the top private university in Kwara State, second overall among all universities in the state, and third among private universities nationwide—a success he attributed to innovation and collective effort.
He also highlighted the adoption of hybrid learning, blending virtual and physical classes, which he said has strengthened the university’s academic standing.
Another significant development was the growth of the Igbaja campus, particularly its agricultural programme, which is offered tuition-free.
“We decided to make the agriculture programme tuition-free because we want to empower young Nigerians and contribute to food security for the nation,” he said.
Professor Yusuf concluded by reaffirming his vision for Al-Hikmah University as a centre of excellence where faith and scholarship thrive side by side.
