VC seeks govt support for private tertiary institutions
VICE Chancellor, Anchor University (AU), Prof. Joseph Afolayan has joined in the call for government to include private institutions in Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), saying both private and public universities were established to train students.
Afolayan who made the plea during a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of Theguardian added that government should invest in education for a veritable and strategic economic transformation.
He said, “TETFUND should spread its tentacles to private schools and must drive same educational policy. The development we are talking about will only happen if government shows more commitment in the funding of education sector.
“Nigeria has in time past adopted policies that has not been properly implemented and managed. This has led to some of the challenges that the sector is facing today,” he said.
Prof Afolayan who led other top management team of the university said the visit was to celebrate one year anniversary of Anchor University and also acknowledge the contribution of the organisation towards the institution.
The vice chancellor explained that the university was established not only to focus on academics, learning and excellence, but also on character molding and all round development of its students.
He added that the institution is focused on raising exceptional leaders who would bear the mark of Christ and be ambassador of the light.
“Our citadel of learning is for holistic human transformation and development fastened on character, competence and courage. This vision has found expression in our Outcome-based Education (OBE) approach, which is driven by diligent and competent staff in a serene environment. We are determined to create a model university that is poised to compete with the best in the world.”
On the achievements of the university so far, Afolayan said the institute has conducted training programmes for its staff to enhance their competence in the delivery of worldclass services.
“Within our one year of existence, God has helped us to cross many milestones. We have 220 students; 45 students offering the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) program and would be admitted to 200 level after successful completion. Apart from degree programmes, the school is running professional programmes like Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), ATS and computer certification programmes with a comprehensive entrepreneurial training”, he said.
Noting that the students are doing exceptionally well in professional examinations, he said, “We are not resting on our oars. As we adore God for those achievements, we also know that this is just the beginning. We have a target of becoming one of the leading Universities in Nigeria in no time.”
Afolayan said the institution was established not to add up the numbers but to make a distinction as a faith -based university.