Gbajabiamila Tasks Varsities On Funding

The Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, has charged universities across the country with creatively generating funds internally to complement government efforts in public institutions.

Gbajabiamila, who spoke at the first university lecture of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, in Osogbo on Tuesday, said investment in profitable business will further boost the economic status of institutions and enhance their independence.

The former House of Representatives speaker, who spoke on the theme “Interrogating Funding of Education: Global versus Nigerian Perspectives,” cited Oxford University and its printing press as examples and said what is important is the establishment of multiple sources of revenue to sustain universities and support their core functions as centres of learning.

He also charged them with upgrading their profile to international standards to enhance patronage by international students, who would be made to pay higher fees compared to natives, according to international practice. He added that the contribution of international students is a significant revenue stream for universities worldwide.

In his address at the event, Governor Ademola Adeleke said he has been keenly following up with the governance and administration of UNIOSUN almost daily because the university is one of the enduring legacies that have continued to make the state a model for other universities to emulate.

He eulogised the university’s achievements under the administration of the vice-chancellor, Clement Odunola Adebooye, expressing his administration’s support for the institution. He noted that the state is also experiencing rapid improvements in its educational achievements.

In his welcome address, the vice chancellor expressed delight at the lecture’s success and pleaded for sustainable income for lecturers in the country to prevent brain drain.