Baze University Vice-Chancellor Abiodun Adeniyi stresses immense financial pressures faced by private institutions, despite their crucial role in national human capital development.
Abuja, Nigeria – Private universities are crucial partners in national human capital development and deserve greater government assistance, according to Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, Vice-Chancellor of Baze University. He made this compelling appeal on Monday during a press interaction in Abuja, underscoring the shared goals private universities pursue alongside public institutions.
Professor Adeniyi emphasized the immense financial strain private institutions endure to deliver high-quality education, maintain modern infrastructure, and comply with stringent regulatory standards. He asserted that these challenges undermine their capacity to fully contribute to Nigeria's future.
His remarks underscore a growing debate about the role and funding of private higher education within the country, highlighting the crucial part they play in national progress, according to reporting by Punch Nigeria - Sports.
Financial Realities: Why Private Universities Struggle with Costs
Professor Adeniyi strongly challenged the perception that private universities operate as purely profit-making ventures. He detailed the extensive financial commitments involved in establishing and sustaining academic programs, recruiting highly qualified personnel, providing essential facilities, and adhering to strict regulatory requirements.
“Anybody who thinks it is a profit-making organisation is just making a mistake,” Adeniyi stated. He further explained, “Look at what it entails to hire staff, buy facilities, provide utilities and execute huge capital-intensive projects. It is difficult.” These significant investments often go unnoticed, despite the institutions receiving no direct government allocation.
Shared National Goals and TETFund Intervention Possibilities
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that graduates from private universities ultimately join the same workforce and contribute to the Nigerian economy, just like their counterparts from public institutions. He argued that all educational institutions, regardless of their funding model, serve a unified national purpose.
Adeniyi expressed openness to support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), an agency primarily established to provide supplementary funding to public tertiary institutions. “We are all citizens of this country. I don’t mind if TETFund wants to support us,” he affirmed, while also commending TETFund’s Executive Secretary for initiatives that have already included private universities in some research programs. He advocates for broader support to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of these institutions.
Baze University's Commitment to Global Education Standards
Established approximately 15 years ago by Founder and Chancellor Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, Baze University's vision was to redefine tertiary education in Nigeria. The institution aims to build a university capable of competing with leading global counterparts. Its strategic location in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, ensures accessibility for students from across Nigeria and beyond.
Despite lacking direct government funding, Baze University has deliberately invested in a serene and conducive learning environment while keeping its fees competitive. The institution's management ensures strict compliance with regulatory requirements set by the National Universities Commission (NUC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the Federal Ministry of Education. Plans are also underway to introduce external examiners from abroad to assess faculty work and ensure global best practices are upheld.
Equipping Graduates for a Dynamic Modern Economy
Professor Adeniyi described research as the “hallmark of development” and outlined Baze University's commitment to building partnerships and programs that deepen its research culture. The university focuses on producing graduates who can adapt to the changing demands of the labor market by combining core academic disciplines with entrepreneurial and other transferable skills.
This forward-thinking approach is informed by the evolving nature of employment, where graduates increasingly work across disciplines. Baze University's partnership under the World Bank-supported IDEAS program exemplifies its efforts to equip young Nigerians with practical skills. Adeniyi also clarified that while some politicians and senior professionals enroll, Baze University maintains a diverse student population, drawing students from Nigeria and other African countries, particularly within the West African subregion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Professor Abiodun Adeniyi's main call to the government?
Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, Baze University's Vice-Chancellor, urges the Nigerian government to provide greater support to private universities, emphasizing their significant role in national human capital development.
Why does Baze University's VC believe private institutions need support?
He highlights the immense financial pressures private universities face in maintaining quality education, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance, arguing they are not solely profit-making ventures due to the enormous operational costs.
How does Baze University contribute to Nigeria's development goals?
Baze University focuses on producing graduates with entrepreneurial and transferable skills for a changing labor market, fostering research, and contributing to the workforce alongside public institution graduates, thereby aiding national human capital development.
Is Baze University primarily for politicians?
No, Professor Adeniyi dismisses this perception, explaining that while some politicians and senior professionals enroll, Baze University has a diverse student population from Nigeria and other African countries, particularly within the West African subregion.
Does Baze University receive funding from TETFund?
Private universities generally do not receive routine institutional interventions from TETFund, which primarily supports public tertiary institutions. However, Professor Adeniyi commended TETFund for initiatives that have included private universities in some research programs and called for more widespread support."