The vice chancellor of Trinity University, Clement Kolawole, has urged the federal government to end what he described as discrimination against private universities by granting them access to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
Kolawole also called for students in private universities to be included in the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, saying they should enjoy the same benefits as those in federal and state institutions.
He made the appeal during a media briefing ahead of the university’s fourth convocation ceremony scheduled for March 27, 2026.
Kolawole said excluding private universities and their students from both funds is unfair, noting that their parents and proprietors also pay taxes.
“The fact that some students are in private universities does not mean they should be discriminated against,” he said. “It is important to carry them along.”
He said staff of private universities should also have access to TETFund for research, adding that such institutions contribute to national development by producing graduates.
Kolawole said all Nigerians deserve equal opportunities, regardless of the type of institution they attend.
He described the upcoming convocation as a celebration of students’ achievements and the university’s commitment to quality education.
As part of the events, a convocation lecture will be delivered on March 26 by Poju Oyemade, senior pastor and founder of The Covenant Nation, followed by a thanksgiving service.
A total of 200 students will graduate from the Faculties of Arts, Social and Management Sciences, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, and Nursing Sciences. Of these, 51 earned first-class degrees, 61 received second-class upper division, 55 earned second-class lower division and four graduated with third-class honors.
In addition, 12 students from the university’s Centre for Addiction Science and Behavioural Psychology will receive diplomas.
