Educationist urges FG to give incentives to private institutions

Chancellor Southwestern University, Okun Owa, Ogun state, Babatunde Odufuwa has called on the Federal Government to give incentives to operators of private tertiary institutions to encourage them and boost their support for the sector. Odufuwa who is the founder of the school said these institutions are helping the government to train its citizens.

Besides, he noted that since the government pays the bill for students in public institutions in the country, it must encourage those in private universities to augment the cost of their training.Odufuwa who spoke during the maiden convocation ceremony of the institution
said there was need for the government to adequately fund the sector.

According to him, “Education is a right and not obligation. In many countries, education is viewed as a good investment in national development as it is expected that the education system will produce the quality and quantity of human resources required for the economic growth of the country.

“A strong, viable, articulate and well harmonised structure will lead to a high standard, disciplined and quality educational system,” Odufuwa added.He also underscored the need for students to uphold ethical conduct in their dealing in the labour market.He said, “We should uphold ethical conduct in all that we do. There is currently a deficit of ethics and integrity at several leadership levels in the country today.”He subsequently called for discipline and the need to embrace qualitative education to eradicate immoral act among students.

The acting vice chancellor, Prof. Nojimu Amusa advised graduands to pursue excellence and be worthy ambassadors.He said, “Your journey has just started. Southwestern university has built the necessary foundation needed for you to succeed. You have been empowered with qualitative education to achieve the best. We congratulate you as you go into the wonderful world of times.”

“As you are graduating, you are taking another journey to actualising your dream of achieving your life’s goals to think critically and responsibly. Be leaders in your field. Your degree is not just to earn a living but to be tool to contribute in changing society for the better.

“With your current standard, let me urge you to pursue excellence in whatever you do. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity no matter how comfortable it is, try to pursue excellence because excellence will set you apart from the crowd. Never give up always,” Prof. Amusa said.About 20 students of the faculties of pure and applied science and the social and management science bagged first class degrees from the institution while 189 attained second class upper division, 108 students second class lower while 27 others came out with third class.

In her convocation lecture, the dean of faculty of applied science, Adeleke University, Osun State, Prof. Bukola Oyawoye, commended the role of private universities in the educational development of the country.Oyawoye however urged the government to abolish restrictions and regulations that hamper the growth of private institutions.