The Vice-Chancellor of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, has urged the federal government to expand the Student Loan Scheme to include students in both public and private higher institutions. Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the university’s Sixth Convocation Ceremony, Odetunde emphasized that students in private universities, whose parents also contribute significantly to the taxes funding the scheme, deserve to benefit as much as those in public universities.
Odetunde highlighted the essential role private universities play in manpower training, pointing out the rising costs in both public and private institutions. Despite a recent statement by NELFUND indicating that supporting one private university student would be equivalent to aiding three public university students, Odetunde argued that the sacrifices made by parents of private university students should also be considered.
Expressing appreciation for the support of the Catholic Church and Mr. Femi Otedola, Chancellor of the institution, Odetunde reaffirmed Augustine University’s commitment to delivering holistic education that blends academic excellence with practical skills for employability.
The upcoming convocation will see 71 students graduating, with 11 achieving First Class honors. Loko Iyanuoluwa Emmanuel, from the Department of Computer Science, will be recognized as the Best Graduating Student with an outstanding CGPA of 4.91.
