The Federal Government has been reminded to extend the benefits of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to students of private universities.
NELFUND was signed by President Bola Tinubu to replace the 2023 loan scheme to make higher education more accessible through financial barriers’ removal.
Making the call at the fifth Convocation of Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, at the weekend, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Clement Kolawole, argued that private university students are Nigerians ”who should not be discriminated against because they are studying” in private universities.
Kolawole also made a similar appeal for the extension of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to private universities, saying the workers are also Nigerians.
He said: ”The necessary legislation should be granted to the two bodies to enable them to open their doors to applications from students, workers and the private institutions that need the financial support they grant. There are other innovative supports that students, workers and public institutions are enjoying due to the plan of the Federal Government to leverage on education as means of fast-tracking human capacity development in the country that private institutions, their workers and students should not be denied of.”
Kolawole made a similar call at the varsity’s last convocation.
He announced that 323 passed out of the Trinity University’s three faculties: Arts, Management and Social Sciences, 109; Basic Medical and Applied Sciences, 161 while Nursing Sciences, 53, Seven-nine made first class, 147 second class upper, 54 second class lower and four third class. Others were unclassified.
Osazuwa Osayuwar Tioluwalase (Political Science) and Miss Ezsezebor Osemen Joy(Computer and Information Science), who made first class had ”a perfect 5.00CGPA”, acts the VC ascribed to only their brilliance, but also their obedience, discipline, hard work and God’s blessings.
National Universities Commission (NUC) Executive Secretary, Prof Abdulahi Ribadu, said the true worth of a university extended beyond the degrees it awards. Rather, he said, it is ”measured by the quality of minds it develops, the character it nurtures, the knowledge it advances, and the solutions its graduates contribute to society”.
Ribadu, who was represented by NUC’s Director/Head, Lagos office, Dr Ayoteju Ogun, noted the theme of the convocation, ‘Convolving a Galaxy of Stars: Shining the Trinity Light to the World,’ saying the event was a celebration and a call to responsibility for the celebrators. ”The light of a university shines brightest when its graduates distinguish themselves through knowledge, integrity, innovation, and service to humanity’.”
He continued: ”The National Universities Commission remains committed to strengthening the quality, relevance, and global competitiveness of the Nigerian university system through minimum academic standards, program accreditation, and continuous quality improvement. However, quality assurance must transcend regulatory compliance and become an enduring institutional culture reflected in effective teaching, credible assessments, relevant curricula, and demonstrable learning outcomes.
”Universities must also deepen collaboration with industry and other stakeholders to strengthen graduate employability, promote entrepreneurship, and translate research into practical solutions. As technologies and the world of work evolve, institutions must equip graduates with the knowledge, adaptability, critical thinking, and ethical judgment required to navigate change and contribute meaningfully to national development.
”The NUC will continue to work with universities and stakeholders to advance these priorities.” Ribadu said the convocation was ‘an opportunity to consolidate Trinity University’s achievements, strengthen its commitment to academic excellence and sound governance, and also expand its contribution to human capital development and societal progress’ ”.
To the graduates, the NUC chief said this was their moment and responsibility. ”Your degree is an important achievement; its enduring value will depend on what you do with the knowledge and opportunities it provides. Use your education to solve problems, create opportunities, build solutions, and improve lives. The world you are entering will demand more than certificates; it will demand competence, creativity, integrity, and resilience”. He advised them to be focused, remain curious, keep learning, embrace change, and equip themselves for emerging opportunities. Do not wait for every opportunity to come your way; develop the capacity to create opportunities for yourselves and others. ”When you encounter setbacks, learn from them, rise again, and persevere.
”Above all, let integrity guide your decisions, excellence define your work, and service give purpose to your success. Remember that you are ambassadors of Trinity University. Wherever life takes you, let your character earn respect, your competence inspire confidence, and your achievements make your alma mater proud.
”Do not strive merely to be successful; make an impact. Focus on adding value. Do not seek only to shine; use your light to illuminate the path of others. Let your education become a force for positive change in your communities and a meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s development.”
The Chancellor/business mogul, Prince Samuel Adedoyin, urged the graduands to imbibe five virtues, which he said had kept him going: Godliness, creativity, industry, drive and discipline. ”My charge to you is simple: In every thing you do, do a little more. If you are asked to do your best, do more than your best. That little extra effort is what gives you the edge in a competitive world.”
The Chairman, Governing Council of Trinity University, Pastor Samuel Olatunji, said from a paltry seven students at inception in the 2018/2019 session, the university now has over 2,000 students.
He charged the outgoing students on good character, saying talent would open doors for them but only character would keep them in the room. ”In a world that celebrates speed, have the courage to stand for what is right. Let your word be your bond,” he advised.
The valedictorians, Joy and Osazuwa, reminisced on their years in the institution, urged their colleagues on good ambassadorship of the school. ‘Pursue your ambition with dedication,” Joy said while Osazuwa added: ”Train yourself. Work hard. Keep going.”