Baze VC Seeks Government Support as Private Universities Battle Rising Costs
Hope Ajayi 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, Prof. Abiodun Gabriel Adeniyi, has called on the Federal Government to provide greater support for private universities, saying they play a vital role in developing Nigeria’s skilled workforce despite rising operating costs.
Speaking on Monday during a visit by education correspondents to the institution on Monday, Adeniyi said private universities shoulder significant financial responsibilities, including recruiting qualified lecturers, maintaining infrastructure, paying utility bills and complying with regulatory standards.
He dismissed the perception that private universities exist primarily to generate profit.
“Anybody who thinks it is a profit-making organisation is just making a mistake. Look at what it entails to hire staff, buy facilities, provide utilities and execute huge capital-intensive projects. It is difficult,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor argued that government intervention would benefit the entire country because graduates of both public and private universities contribute to Nigeria’s workforce.
He welcomed the possibility of greater support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), while commending the agency for allowing private universities to participate in selected research initiatives.
Adeniyi also disclosed that the university is strengthening academic quality by recruiting scholars from different countries and engaging foreign external examiners to assess academic programmes.
He described research as the foundation of national development and said Baze University was expanding partnerships to improve innovation while equipping students with entrepreneurial and practical skills.
According to him, the institution’s participation in the World Bank-supported Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) programme reflects its commitment to producing graduates with industry-relevant competencies.
Founded about 15 years ago by Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the university continues to invest in infrastructure while maintaining compliance with the National Universities Commission, JAMB and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Adeniyi also rejected claims that the institution mainly serves politicians, noting that its student population includes learners from across Nigeria and several African countries.
He added that Baze University is exploring academic partnerships with institutions in Sierra Leone and Kenya as part of its regional expansion strategy.
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Abah Felicity 
Oluwafunbi Bello 