The Vice-Chancellor of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, Prof Adeniyi Olatunbosun (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to extend the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) to students of private universities, stressing that education should not be divided along ownership lines.
Speaking during a press conference ahead of the institution’s fifth convocation ceremony held on Monday at the Senate Chamber, Olatunbosun argued that excluding private university students from the loan scheme undermines fairness and national educational goals.
"NELFund is targeted at students of public universities, but it should also include those in private universities. Education is universal, and we all contribute to national development. The fund will serve its purpose more effectively if extended to private institutions," he said.
The Vice-Chancellor announced that 203 students would graduate this year, the largest in the university’s history.
According to him, the figure reflects the institution’s rising capacity and growing confidence among parents and students.
"During our first convocation in 2021, 32 students graduated. That number rose to 92 in 2022, 123 in 2023, and 155 in 2024. This year, we have 203 graduates, including 12 with First Class Honours," he said.
Olatunbosun said the week-long convocation activities began on October 31 with a Jumat service, followed by a Thanksgiving service on Sunday.
The Convocation Lecture will be delivered on Wednesday by former Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof Labo Popoola, while the commencement speech will be given by Dr Demola Aladekomo, Group Managing Director of Chams Plc.
He extended his gratitude to the university’s Founder and Chancellor, Chief Kola Daisi (CON), describing his vision and philanthropy as the cornerstone of the institution’s success.
Remembering academic strides, Olatunbosun disclosed that 13 programmes across various faculties received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in February 2025.
He described the full accreditation of the LL.B Law and Nursing Science programmes as notable achievements, with the university set to produce its first batch of law graduates eligible for the Nigerian Law School.
On infrastructure, he announced that the Senate Building was commissioned in February 2025, alongside new student hostels, upgraded laboratories, and research facilities.
He also revealed that the university had established a Postgraduate School to strengthen research and innovation in science, management, and the humanities.
The Vice-Chancellor praised students for their recent academic accomplishments, including winning third place at the Inter-University Environmental Chemistry Competition organised by the American Chemical Society in April, and producing the Best Female Researcher at the International National Research Symposium in October.
"These achievements affirm the quality of education we provide and the calibre of students we are raising," he said.
He added that KolaDaisi University has joined the International Association of Universities (IAU) headquartered at UNESCO House, Paris, and established partnerships with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) and Ronsberger Health Limited.
Olatunbosun further commended security agencies, the Oyo State Government, staff, and students for their roles in maintaining a safe and productive learning environment.
Reassuring KDU’s mission, he said: "Our vision remains to be a world-class institution producing graduates equipped to meet the socio-economic needs of a knowledge-driven economy. With continued stakeholder support, we will remain a hub of excellence, innovation, and service to humanity."
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