24, October 2025/Naija 247news
The Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, has bemoaned the exclusion of private universities from benefiting from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) grant, describing it as a national loss. According to him, allowing private universities to access the fund would have boosted research and contributed significantly to national development.
A Missed Opportunity
Prof. Asikhia stated this at a press conference held at the university’s Council Chamber, where he outlined his seven-point vision to reposition the institution as a centre of academic excellence and innovation. He lamented that concentrating research funds solely on public federal and state universities was not in the best interest of the country, as it fails to tap into the intellectual resources available in private universities. “It would have been very lovely if the government could agree that private universities should benefit from TETFund,” he said.
Commitment to Excellence
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted his administration’s commitment to academic excellence, citing initiatives such as the Caleb Academic Potentialisation Scheme (CAPS) and a digitalized student management system designed to enhance student experience. He emphasized the importance of integrity, warning that the institution would uphold zero tolerance for academic misconduct. “There is no shortcut to success. We will not compromise integrity for grades. Every student must earn their achievements through hard work,” he said.
Innovation and Global Partnerships
Asikhia also spoke about the university’s efforts to drive innovation and global partnerships. He announced the establishment of 11 centres of excellence to promote innovation and industrial problem-solving. The university has also created a Centre for Global Engagement, Industry and Government Partnerships to coordinate relationships with leading institutions worldwide. Existing partnerships include those with the University of North Carolina and the University of London.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
The Vice Chancellor also emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s world, stating that Caleb University is committed to producing graduates who are job creators, not job seekers. To this end, the university encourages students to register their companies while still on campus and start operating their businesses before graduation. This approach, he believes, will equip students with the necessary skills and experience to thrive in the real world.
The exclusion of private universities from TETFund grants is a policy that warrants reconsideration. By allowing private universities to benefit from the fund, the government can unlock the potential of these institutions and their intellectual resources, ultimately contributing to national development. As Prof. Asikhia aptly noted, it’s time for the nation to make use of its lofty human resources.
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Reporting by Favor Akpan, News Writer in Lagos, Nigeria.
