The Federal Government's ongoing neglect of private universities is working against the overall development of Nigeria, according to the Pro-Chancellor of Veritas University.
The university leader raised the concern in an intervention reported by The Sun Nigeria, arguing that leaving private tertiary institutions behind does not serve the nation's best interests.
The remarks speak directly to the broader condition of higher education in the country. Private universities play a significant role in absorbing thousands of young Nigerians who seek admission each year, relieving pressure on overstretched federal and state institutions.
Despite this contribution, operators of non-state universities have frequently pointed out that their campuses remain largely excluded from critical government assistance. Among the most contentious issues over the years has been access to national funding mechanisms, notably the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, which provides funding and infrastructure support exclusively to public institutions.
Private school proprietors and education stakeholders have repeatedly argued that students in private institutions are also Nigerian citizens whose parents pay taxes to the government. They contend that denying non-governmental universities access to national research grants and academic support undermines tertiary education standards nationwide.
Veritas University, also known as the Catholic University of Nigeria, is based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The institution was established under the auspices of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and operates under the supervision of the National Universities Commission.
By describing the continuous disregard of private universities as a disservice, the pro-chancellor has added fresh momentum to the campaign urging authorities to adopt a more balanced approach toward all accredited tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
