The Vice-Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University, Prof. Timothy Adejumo, has urged the Federal Government to provide support to private tertiary institutions as they face mounting economic challenges. During a press conference in Ibadan on Wednesday, held to mark the university’s third convocation, Adejumo highlighted the struggles of private universities, noting that the income generated from student fees is no longer sufficient to cover operational costs.

Adejumo emphasized that private institutions play a crucial role in alleviating the burden on public universities by offering an alternative for higher education, but they are now under financial strain. He appealed to the government to extend benefits from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to private universities, stressing that they should not be left out of these vital support systems.

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“Private universities are contributing significantly to the nation’s education sector by training students who would otherwise be without opportunities. The government must recognize their value and provide necessary funding,” Adejumo said.

As the university prepares for its upcoming convocation ceremony, the VC revealed that 118 students will be receiving their degrees. Among them, 14 will be awarded First-Class honours, 65 will receive Second-Class Upper, 37 Second-Class Lower, and 2 Third-Class honours. Adejumo reaffirmed the university’s commitment to not only academic excellence but also fostering entrepreneurship and developing students with strong moral character.