‘FEDERAL GOVT GRANT TO UNIVERSITIES TOO SMALL AMID ECONOMIC PRESSURES’

The Head of the Department of Sociology at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Professor Oyefunke Fayehun, has articulated that the funding provided by the Federal Government is inadequate for the efficient operation of Nigerian universities.

She conveyed this information during the receipt of solar inverter batteries valued at millions of naira, which were donated to the department by the alumni of the Class of 1995.

Fayehun underscored the vital importance of alumni associations in bolstering the comprehensive development of universities, particularly in the domains of financial support, infrastructure enhancement, and academic progression.

She pointed out that the prevailing economic circumstances in the country have rendered it increasingly challenging for universities to rely solely on government disbursements, thereby highlighting the necessity for heightened alumni participation in fostering institutional growth.

She asserted that financial resources and the provision of essential facilities to facilitate learning should not rest solely with the Federal Government and university administration but rather involve all pertinent stakeholders contributing to this endeavor.

“The funding from the Federal Government is insufficient for the operation of universities, considering the current economic conditions in the country. All relevant stakeholders, including alumni, have a role to play in this context by contributing to their respective alma maters,” Fayehun stated.

In a related comment, another academic, Professor Adeyinka Aderinto, commended the Class of ‘95 for addressing the needs of both the department and the institution at large.

Aderinto remarked, “We have just welcomed the graduating cohort of 1995. They are commemorating 30 years since their graduation from our university with a donation of inverter batteries. This is not the first time they have engaged in such support; they made similar contributions three or four years ago.

“This is how we have managed to endure. We have relied on the generosity of former students, as we are all aware that the Federal Government funding cannot fulfill all our needs. We will reach out to other alumni to encourage similar support. ”

Earlier, Babajide Akinfolajinmi, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Class of ’95, expressed that the gesture stemmed from their affection for their alma mater.

An alumnus of the institution and prominent member of the Class of ’95, Babajide stated, “Whatever achievements we have attained in life can be traced back to this university and the Department of Sociology.

“It is always important to give back to our alma mater; thus, we chose to present this gift as part of the activities commemorating the 30th anniversary of our graduation from the school. ”