The former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission, Professor Peter Okebukola has on Wednesday called on the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to support private universities in their development.

Professor Okebukola said this while delivering the maiden convocation ceremony lecture of the Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission who spoke on the theme "Building a World Class University in Africa: The Role of Private Universities" pointed out that when Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) support private universities in Nigeria, it will cause the lowering of tuition so that many students can go to school in Nigeria. 

He lamented that many parents are not able to afford to send their children to the best university because of the high rate of poverty in the country.

Speaking on the parameters to be a world class university, he said "You walked into a typical classroom of a truly world-class university and you see students from at least six countries of the world with different colours of skin. You walked along the corridor of staff offices and you see names of lecturers from different countries of the wold. You visit toilets and you find them clean; water and toilet rolls are in place. Twenty-four hours power supply is the rule rather than exception. Campus-wide internet services, state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops and quality hostels are features of the institution".

The former Executive Secretary of NUC pointed out that becoming a member of the exclusive group of world class universities is not achieved by self-declaration; rather, elite status is conferred by the outside world on the basis of international recognition.

"In building a world-class universities in Nigeria, we have to leverage four complementary sets of factors:  a high concentration of talent (staff and students); abundant resources to offer a rich learning environment and to conduct advanced research; favourable governance features that encourage strategic vision, innovation, and flexibility and that enable institutions to make decisions and to manage resources without being encumbered by bureaucracy; and sustained financial support, with appropriate mix of accountability and autonomy" he said.

Professor Okebukola having assessed the distance between African (Nigerian) universities and world-class universities said, "the gap analysis showed that access, quality, management, governance, staffing, facilities, research and curriculum delivery are some of the areas needing attention to attain world-class standards".

He stated that "Africa's future and the attainment of Agenda 2063  of African Union is inexplicably linked with the quality of higher education delivered on the continent. The social economic performance of the region can be significantly bolstered and sustained if basic and higher education is paid greater attention and the challenge of skills shortage, among others is addressed" he said.

"Our universities also need to recognise that achieving world-class standards a requires commitment to global best practices adapted to the local context" he said.

He further lamented that there is the need to continue to build research capacity of Nigerian scholars through local and overseas training and collaboration with researchers from reputable universities all over the world.

The erudite professor urged Chrisland University and other Nigerian universities to partner with some of the world universities to learn and benefit from them to attain the world class status.

He however proposed that by October 2020 next year when Nigeria will be celebrating her 60th independence anniversary, the government should launch ';;Nigerian World-Class University Project';; which will aspire by October 2030, at least one Nigerian University will emerge among the world's top 100, and with Nigerian universities producing a steady stream of nationally-relevant and global-competitive graduates.

In  attendance at the maiden convocation were Emeritus Professor Oladipo Olujimi Akinkugbe; former Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs (Convocation Guest Chairman); former Executive Secretary NUC, Professor Peter Okebukola; The founder, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, High Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Winifred A. Awosika; Chrisland University Vice Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola; Provost of College of Mediceine, UI Professor, Olapade Olaope; former Ambassador, Mr. Leke Adebiyi; Mrs. Akeredolu (Ife); Dr. Mrs. Leke Are; Chief Olu Falomo; Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Mrs. Alaba Lawson; Professor Mrs. Adeyinka Falusi; FMC MD, Professor Adewale Olomo (represented); Dr. Awonuga; Sir, Chief Dr. Isaac Eberechukwu (Chrisland VC father); GM OGTV, Mr. Festus Kehinde; Registrar, Mr. David Olowola; Professor Serah Oloko; Professor Aderonke Akintokun; Mrs. Comfort Ogunseinde; Dr. Mrs. Lekan Are; Members of the Chrisland University Board of Trustees; Members of the Governing Council; Staff of Chrisland Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools; parents; students; families; friends and well-wishers.