KDU VC urges Tinubu to increase allocation to education, support private varsities
The Vice Chancellor of KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan, Prof. Adeniyi Olatunbosun (SAN), has urged the incoming administration under the leadership of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to increase allocation to education exponentially and support private universities.
Prof. Olatunbosun made the call in a chat with journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The law professor said expectations were high from the citizens, saying it is imperative for the incoming administration to creates a support concept for private university system.
The law scholar said: “In the education sector, the expectation is that a new government that is going to take up the mantle of leadership on May 29th would give more attention to the educational sector as the sector remains the bedrock of any given society .
“There is the need to increase budget allocation to education exponentially.
“It is imperative that the incoming administration needs to create a support concept for the private university system.
“The private university system concept requires a deliberately constituted enabling environment to significantly contribute to the growth of the educational sector of Nigeria. In doing this, there will be an reduction of the tax burden on private universities via reduction in multiple taxation of the private universities in the country.
“We will expect that the incoming administration sees to it that private universities are favourably positioned to complement the Federal and State universities”.
Olatunbosun said schemes should be put in place to enable students key in and benefit from funds to be provided by the government, saying, “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”.
He also stressed the need for the incoming government to increase electricity support to private universities.
The professor said: “The need to increase electricity support for private universities is essential. Adequate and cost-effective electricity or access to energy supply will invariably make for better performance of the private universities.
“Hopes are high. The plights of lecturers and other Labour Unions should be relieved.
“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”.
