Former LASU VC Olatunji-Bello clarifies remarks on university funding

Immediate Past Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has clarified remarks attributed to her on university fees and financial sustainability.

Olatunji-Bello was recently quoted as saying that public universities in Nigeria might need to charge a minimum of one million naira as tuition per student annually.

She was quoted as saying the aim was to achieve financial self-sustainability and independence from government funding.

However, her media aide, Mr Emmanuel Adeyemi, made the clarification in a statement made available to the our reporter on Wednesday in Lagos.

Adeyemi quoted Olatunji-Bello as saying her comments were made in the context of the cost of delivering quality university education comparable with international standards.

The media aide said the former VC did not advocate that students or parents should bear the entire cost of university education.

According to Adeyemi, Olatunji-Bello’s central argument was that providing the quality of undergraduate education Nigerians desire costs about one million naira per student annually.

“Crucially, however, she did not suggest that this cost must necessarily be transferred wholesale onto students or their parents,” he said.

He quoted Olatunji-Bello as saying, “Universities can achieve financial self-sustainability.

‘’If they can innovate and ensure improvements in the institution, money will come in.”

Adeyemi said the former VC also encouraged parents to prioritise their children’s education, noting that quality education required adequate funding.

“I enjoin parents to ensure their children are well-educated by prioritising their fees. Good quality education needs money,” he quoted her as saying.

The media aide said the remarks reflected a broader call for universities to pursue innovation and diversified revenue streams to achieve financial sustainability.

He said the former VC also acknowledged the cost implications of quality education, while encouraging shared responsibility among universities, parents and other stakeholders.

Adeyemi urged the public, media and education stakeholders to consider Olatunji-Bello’s complete remarks, rather than relying on isolated statements for a more accurate understanding of her position.