Evangel University Vice Chancellor Champions Equal Access to TETFund for Private Institutions

In a bid to uphold the principles of equity and access to quality education for all Nigerian children, the Vice Chancellor of Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State, Prof. Ukpai Kalu Iche, has called on the Federal Government to extend the benefits of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to private tertiary institutions.

Speaking at a press conference held on March 16, 2024, during the combined Convocation ceremony of Evangel University, Prof. Iche emphasized the unfairness of excluding private universities from accessing TETFund, despite their significant contributions to the development of education in the country.

The Vice Chancellor highlighted the anomaly of private institutions being excluded from a fund designed to support tertiary education across the nation. He questioned why institutions, regardless of ownership, should be denied access to resources aimed at enhancing the quality of education they provide.

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Underlining Evangel University's commitment to affordability and excellence, Prof. Iche noted that the institution operates as a "Not for Profit University" and charges the lowest fees among all universities in the country. Despite this, the university maintains regular payment of staff salaries, thanks to subsidies from its proprietor, the Assemblies of God Church, Nigeria.

"The proprietor subsidizes this university; every Assemblies of God Church in Nigeria gives two per cent of her monthly income to ensure that we maintain the lowest fee," Prof. Iche stated.

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Furthermore, Prof. Iche emphasized Evangel University's dedication to discipline and academic standards, exemplified by the institution's enforcement of dress codes for students.

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Established in 2012 with a vision to provide holistic development for students regardless of their backgrounds, Evangel University currently enrolls students from 31 states of Nigeria. Prof. Iche reiterated that all courses offered by the university are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

In urging the government to rectify the exclusion of private institutions from TETFund, Prof. Iche emphasized the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all tertiary institutions to thrive and contribute effectively to the nation's educational development.

The call by the Vice Chancellor of Evangel University echoes the broader imperative of promoting inclusivity and fairness in Nigeria's educational landscape, reinforcing the need for policies that support the diverse array of institutions dedicated to shaping the future of the nation's youth.