Baze University VC seeks TETFund support

The Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, called for increased government support for private universities in Nigeria, arguing that they contribute to national human-capital development alongside public institutions. He urged the Nigeria — Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to extend greater interventions to private universities, which he said face enormous financial pressures without direct government funding. Adeniyi emphasized that private universities should not be viewed solely as profit-making ventures, given the high costs of staffing, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. He commended TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono for initiatives opening some research programmes to private universities but called for broader support. The university, founded about 15 years ago by Senator Baba Ahmed, has invested in infrastructure and academic standards, including recruiting international scholars and planning external examiners. Baze University also partners with the World Bank Group-supported IDEAS programme to equip students with entrepreneurial skills. Adeniyi dismissed perceptions that the university is primarily for politicians, noting its diverse student body from Nigeria and other African countries, including Sierra Leone and Kenya.