— Matriculates 1,288 new students, highest in varsity’s history

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Vice Chancellor of Wesley University, Ondo town, Ondo state, Right Reverend Professor Samuel Sunday Obeka, has called for the inclusion of private universities in the intervention schemes of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund ).

Obeka noted that the lack of external funding remains one of the major setbacks facing private institutions in Nigeria.

Speaking during the 18th matriculation ceremony of the institution, the Vice Chancellor lamented the continued exclusion of private universities from TETFund projects, despite their growing contribution to Nigeria’s education system.

A total of 1,288 new students matriculated, which is the highest in the university’s history.

Obeka, who presided over the ceremony,
emphasized that while federal and state universities enjoy financial interventions, private universities are left to cater for development solely through school fees and occasional private donations.

“We contribute to national development just like public universities. Government support in infrastructure and research grants should be inclusive.

According to him, unlike federal and state universities, private institutions are ineligible for TETFund interventions, leaving them to rely on internally generated revenue and goodwill from individuals.

“Our growth is commendable, but our pace is limited by lack of access to federal funding. TETFund projects have transformed public universities, yet private ones—despite their academic relevance—are left out.

“This exclusion is as unfair and detrimental to national development and should be addressed by the government.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that despite these challenges, the institution has made great strides in academic and infrastructural development, including the accreditation of 25 new programmes, development of its permanent site, and ongoing solar electrification projects supported by individuals like Hon. Abiola Makinde.

“Our students and lecturers contribute meaningfully to national growth. It is unjust that private universities are neglected in TETFund allocations while federal and state universities enjoy the benefits.

He called on the Federal Government to reconsider its policies and provide equitable support to all institutions, especially in light of the increasing brain drain in Nigeria’s medical and academic sectors.

Obeka praised donors such as the Badejo, Odejayi, and Akingbule families for their generous contributions, which have helped cushion the effects of funding gaps.

Speaking on the new intake, the Vice Chancellor, described it as a positive sign of the growing confidence in the university’s academic offerings, discipline, and infrastructural development.

Obeka congratulated the students and their families, describing them as fortunate to be admitted into a university that emphasizes not just academic excellence, but also moral and spiritual values.

He encouraged them to stay focused, avoid social vices, and commit themselves to their studies, promising that the university’s structured calendar ensures timely graduation for all programs.

“Here at Wesley, one year is one year. A two-year programme won’t exceed two years.

He assured parents and stakeholders of the university’s commitment to excellence and integrity in education.

Obeka highlighted ongoing infrastructural efforts including projects at the university’s permanent site, donation of hostel buildings, and expansion of academic programmes, notably the full accreditation of over 60 programmes by the NUC.

He commended the students, parents, faculty, and Wesley University partners for their unflinching support and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to holistic education that blends academic excellence with spiritual and moral growth.

The Vice Chancellor announced that Wesley University, in partnership with key stakeholders led by Sir Demola Aladekomo, has commenced infrastructural work at the university’s permanent site located along the Ore road.

“The site, which sits on over 200 hectares of land freely donated by the Ondo Kingdom, will host major academic facilities and a groundbreaking Deaf Space Project.

“We are the only university in Nigeria where deaf students are integrated into all academic programmes using sign language.

“We have trained interpreters and are collaborating with Gallaudet University in the United States to build a world-class Deaf Space institution.

The Registrar, Mrs. I. O Yankey, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership and urged the students to uphold moral integrity and academic diligence throughout their stay at the university.

The matriculation ceremony also featured goodwill messages from some of the students and their parents who spoke glowingly about the university’s values of discipline, godliness, and unity.