KDU VC Urges FG to Extend NELFund to Private Universities

The Vice-Chancellor of KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan, Professor Adeniyi Olatunbosun (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to include students of private universities in the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) scheme, emphasizing that education should not be divided by ownership.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the university’s fifth convocation ceremony, held at the Senate Chamber, Olatunbosun said excluding private university students from the intervention programme runs contrary to the principles of fairness and national development.

> “NELFund currently focuses on students in public universities, but education is universal. Extending it to private institutions will promote equity and ensure that all Nigerian youths have equal access to quality education,” he stated.



The Vice-Chancellor announced that KDU will graduate 203 students this year, the largest number since its establishment. The graduating class includes 12 First Class, 79 Second Class Upper, 78 Second Class Lower, and 34 Third Class degree holders.

According to him, the steady growth from 32 graduates in 2021 to 203 in 2025 reflects KDU’s commitment to academic excellence, improved infrastructure, and strengthened confidence from parents and students.

He revealed that 13 academic programmes in the Faculties of Arts, Management and Social Sciences, and Sciences received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in February 2025. The university will also produce its first set of Law graduates this year, all of whom are qualified for admission into the Nigerian Law School. Additionally, the Nursing Science programme received full accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

Highlighting infrastructural achievements, Olatunbosun noted that the Senate Building was commissioned in February 2025, alongside new student hostels and other ongoing projects. He also disclosed that KDU has established a Postgraduate School to enhance research, innovation, and professional development.

The VC further celebrated students’ accomplishments, including the third-place win by KDU’s Chemical Sciences students at the Inter-University Environmental Chemistry Competition organized by the American Chemical Society, and the recognition of a History student as Best Female Researcher at the International Research Symposium in October.

KDU has also joined the International Association of Universities (IAU), headquartered at UNESCO House in Paris, expanding its global collaboration network. Partnerships with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) and Ronsberger Health Limited under the TISHIP scheme were also highlighted, alongside ongoing talks with Seven-Up Bottling Company on sustainability initiatives.

Olatunbosun commended the Nigeria Police, Civil Defence Corps, Military, and Amotekun, as well as the Oyo State Government, for ensuring campus security, and expressed gratitude to the university’s founder and chancellor, Chief Kola Daisi (CON), for his enduring vision and philanthropy.

He reaffirmed KDU’s mission to produce globally competitive graduates, stating,

> “Our vision remains to be a world-class institution producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and character needed for national and global development.”



The university’s week-long convocation programme began on October 31 with a Jumat service, followed by a Thanksgiving service on Sunday. The Convocation Lecture will be delivered by Professor Labo Popoola, former Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, while Dr. Demola Aladekomo, GMD of Chams Plc, will give the Commencement Speech.