The Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. (Mrs) Chinedum Babalola has urged the federal government to consider private universities in the disbursement of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in the country.
Babalola made the call while addressing newsmen shortly after the 3rd matriculation of the 2017/2018 set at the university auditorium.
She said such inclusion would also enhanced quality of higher education in the country.
The VC, who identified funding as a major challenge faced particularly by new private universities, said the fund would be channelled towards improved infrastructure, adding that “no single individual can solely fund university education without external support.”
"If the TETFUND can be extended to the private universities, be it towards infrastructure, which in the long run enhanced quality of higher education in the country, both at the government and privately-owned institutions.
"It will also assist in research works and make the private universities more competitive and more attractive."
Babalola also enjoined the government to make available education loans for students in private institutions, "particularly, for those whose parents shy away from private universities because of higher fees.”
"The loan can be in such a way that the beneficiary will be paying back after securing employment," she said.
Earlier in her address at the ceremony, Babalola said that the institution which was established in 2015 aimed at "creating a learning environment that nurtures a sound moral and intellectual culture, among others.”
Daily Trust reports that a total of 65 students were formally admitted into the institution at the ceremony.