Abuja: The Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, has advocated for increased government support for private universities to bolster their role in the country’s human capital development. Adeniyi emphasized the financial challenges faced by private institutions in maintaining quality education, infrastructure, and compliance with regulatory standards during a visit by Education Correspondents to the university in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeniyi highlighted the misconception of private universities as merely profit-driven entities. He elaborated on the substantial costs associated with hiring qualified staff, providing necessary facilities, and undertaking significant capital projects. ‘Anybody who thinks it is a profit-making organisation is just making a mistake. Look at what it entails to hire staff, buy facilities, provide utilities and execute huge capital-intensive projects, it is difficult,’ he noted.
The vice-chancellor pointed out that graduates from private u
niversities contribute equally to the Nigerian workforce and economy alongside their counterparts from public institutions. He expressed willingness for support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), acknowledging its efforts to involve private universities in research initiatives, and urged the government to broaden these interventions to enhance the sustainability of private universities.
Baze University, founded approximately 15 years ago by Sen. Datti Baba-Ahmed, aims to redefine higher education in Nigeria with aspirations to compete globally. Adeniyi cited the university’s strategic location in Abuja as advantageous for attracting students nationwide and noted the institution’s commitment to maintaining competitive fees without direct government funding.
Adeniyi emphasized the university’s adherence to regulatory standards set by bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the Federal Ministry of Education. He outlined plan
s to strengthen academic standards by recruiting international scholars and introducing external examiners to align with global best practices.
In terms of research and development, Adeniyi stated that research is crucial for development, with the university actively building partnerships to enhance its research culture. The university is also equipping students with entrepreneurial and transferable skills to meet the evolving demands of the labor market, as demonstrated by its involvement in the World Bank-supported IDEAS programme.
Adeniyi dismissed the notion that Baze University caters primarily to politicians, affirming the diverse backgrounds of its student body, which includes individuals from various African countries. He mentioned ongoing efforts to expand collaborations with institutions in Sierra Leone and Kenya, reiterating the university’s commitment to growth, regulatory compliance, and its dedication to Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.