The Federal Government has been told to do more for Private Institutions of higher learning by encouraging its proprietors.
The former Federal Minister of Education in Nigeria,
Professor (Mrs.) Chinwe Obaji made the call at Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo at the 9th National Conference of the History of Education Society of Nigeria.
She believed that Nigeria is in dire need of more Private Universities considering the population of our admission-seeking youths but warned the Federal Government not to grant licenses without thorough research into its sustainability.
The former Minister cited the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti as a good example of an Ivory tower based on vision. Professor Obaji lauded Aare Afe Babalola’s efforts in establishing a world class University and sustaining it with adequate funding which makes the Institution a reference and benchmark for others.
She described Aare as a man who believes in the tradition of industry, hard work, determination and excellence. The educationist revealed her perception of Aare who dares to think differently, one who puts all his energy, brand name and resources into anything he ventures into. Professor Obaji thanked Aare for charting a new path of transformation in the Nigerian educational system and urged wealthy Nigerians to emulate him in bequeathing legacies that will outlive them.
She lamented that so far, no Nigerian University is ranked the first one thousand in the world but expressed optimism that at the rate of ABUAD’s development In terms of facilities and faculty, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti will be soon join the league of the best in the world.
The former Minister of Education, Professor (Mrs.) Chinwe Obaji and Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) and five other distinguished Nigerians were honoured and decorated with the Fellow of History of Education Society of Nigeria at the ceremony.