Why law establishing TETFund should be amended – Prof. Oladipo

Prof. Francisca Oladipo is the Vice Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko, Kwara State.  In a virtual interview with some select journalists, Oladipo shared the institution’s success story, future plans, and coping strategy in these austere times. IYABO LAWAL was there.

Congratulations on the university’s achievements since it commenced academic activities in the last three years. Can you share with us the institution’s success story and future plans?
We have had a remarkable journey since our inception in 2021. We have increased our accredited programmes from 13 to 27, and our student population has grown from 66 to almost 700. We have also established collaborations with universities within and outside Nigeria, and we have won over $178,000 in grants since I became vice chancellor.

That’s impressive. How have you been able to attract grants for the institution?
We have been strategic in seeking partnerships and collaborations that align with our goals. We’ve also invested in research and development, which has enabled us to access funding opportunities. Our goal is to secure over $5 million in grants in the next few years.

In about four years that we came into being, we have shown excellence in the manner we conduct our affairs. We have collaborations with a number of universities within and outside the country and we have won over $178,000 in grant since I came on board about two years ago. We hope to be able to get over $5 million in grants in the next few years.

There have been calls on the Federal Government for the inclusion of private institutions in Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund) to assist in infrastructural development. How is TAU coping in this austere time?
No proprietor is able to provide all the resources needed, the government inclusive. Securing grants, instituting endowments and partnering with the private sector to get things done are the sure ways of surviving. We have a master plan for the growth of the university as well as an academic development plan.

We are advocating that private universities be included in the support being given tertiary institutions by TETFund. As leaders in private universities, we are calling for an amendment to the law establishing the Fund to accommodate private universities. In the same vein, we want our students to also be part of the beneficiaries of the student loan scheme.

How has the university fared in terms of ranking?
We have made significant progress. We were ranked 252nd in Nigeria when I became vice chancellor, but we are now ranked 41st in the country. We are also the fourth-ranked university in Kwara State and 11th among private universities in Nigeria.

What are the challenges confronting the institution?
For us, the major challenge is funding. The founder was the one paying salaries before; it was when I came that I stopped it and we have been lucky to have people who want to work here despite its rural setting, which has helped us tremendously.

In the whole of Kwara South, none of the universities offer medical programmes except Thomas Adewumi University (TAU). We need partnership and more committed people to build more hostels, staff accommodation and aid.

What sets Thomas Adewumi University apart from other institutions?
We are committed to excellence in everything we do. We are the only university in Kwara State offering a Doctor of Physiotherapy programme, and we have a strong focus on science and technology. We also offer our students the opportunity to earn international certifications, which sets us apart.

We started with 13 academic programmes and by next September, we are going to admit our first set of medical students. This, together with Law, were never in the plan before, but was planned for after 25 years of the university’s establishment. I resumed in August and by October, we got the National University Commission’s (NUC) approval to start Law. Though it was daunting, I knew we must offer signature academic programmes if we want to stand out.

We have gotten a full operational licence from the NUC to offer Nursing and we are about to start our open distance learning programme. We have moved to 27 strong academic programmes from the initial 13. For the current session, we have admitted close to 700 students and the number is still ongoing. This is our development and expansion phases.

How do you plan to sustain the institution’s growth and development?
We are focused on diversifying our revenue streams and reducing costs. We have implemented a range of initiatives, including generating our own electricity through solar power and promoting sustainability in our host community.

What are the university’s future plans?
We are committed to becoming the leading private university in Nigeria within the next five years. We are expanding our programmes, including the introduction of medical programmes, and also investing in research and development. We are also committed to building stronger partnerships with industry and the community.

In the next five years, I see TAU becoming the leading private university in Nigeria. Though this is quite ambitious, we have seen the trajectory and know we can achieve it just like we are doing with the ranking from 252 in Nigeria when I was appointed to 152 within a month and forty-something now.

What message do you have for prospective students and parents?
We offer a unique and supportive learning environment that focuses on excellence and innovation. We are committed to providing our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers. We invite prospective students and parents to join our community and experience the Thomas Adewumi University difference.