The spokesperson for the immediate-past Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Emmanuel Adeyemi, has addressed the controversy surrounding Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello's recent remarks on tuition fees. In a statement, Adeyemi clarified that Olatunji-Bello did not suggest that students or their parents must pay ₦1m annually for university education. The former VC's comments were made in an interview with The Punch, where she discussed the estimated cost of providing quality undergraduate education in Nigerian universities.
According to Adeyemi, Olatunji-Bello's remarks were taken out of context and misinterpreted by the public and media. The former VC was advocating for innovative and diversified funding sources for universities, not suggesting that students or parents should bear the entire cost. Adeyemi urged the public, media, and education stakeholders to consider Olatunji-Bello's complete remarks rather than isolated portions that could give a different impression of her position.
Olatunji-Bello's remarks were made against the backdrop of Nigerians' desire for university education comparable in quality to what is obtainable in other parts of the world. She noted that delivering such quality education costs approximately ₦1m per student annually. However, Adeyemi stressed that the former VC did not suggest that this cost should be transferred to students or their parents.
Adeyemi explained that Olatunji-Bello's central argument was for universities to pursue innovation and develop diversified revenue streams to achieve financial sustainability. The former VC began her response by stating that universities can achieve financial self-sustainability if they innovate and ensure improvements in the institution. She added that parents should prioritize their children's fees, as good quality education requires significant investment.
The spokesperson emphasized that Olatunji-Bello's position reflects a broader call for universities to explore alternative funding sources and encourage shared responsibility for funding university education. Adeyemi said the former VC sought to remind parents of the cost implications of quality education and encourage them to take part in funding university education.
Adeyemi urged the public, media, and education stakeholders to engage with Olatunji-Bello's complete remarks in their proper context, rather than isolated soundbites that do not accurately reflect her position. He emphasized that the former VC's comments were intended to promote a discussion on sustainable funding models for Nigerian universities.
The controversy surrounding Olatunji-Bello's remarks highlights the ongoing debate on university funding in Nigeria. As universities continue to face financial challenges, stakeholders are calling for innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability of these institutions. The former VC's comments have sparked a renewed discussion on the role of government, parents, and universities in funding education.
Key points
- Former LASU VC Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello's remark on ₦1m tuition fees was misinterpreted, her spokesperson clarifies.
- Olatunji-Bello advocated for innovative and diversified funding sources for universities, not suggesting that students or parents should bear the entire cost.
- The controversy highlights the ongoing debate on university funding in Nigeria, with stakeholders calling for sustainable solutions.
