Dr. Emmanuel Abraham, the Chairman of Topfaith University, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to extend Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) grants to qualified private universities. He made this appeal during a media briefing at the university’s main campus in Mkpatak, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
While emphasizing that he is not advocating for full dependence of private institutions on government funds, Dr. Abraham stressed the importance of supporting private universities with research-focused grants. According to him, this inclusion will strengthen Nigeria’s drive toward technological advancement, human capital development, and national innovation.
“If the government is serious about proper human resource development, it should support private initiatives, especially in research,” Abraham noted.
He argued that across the globe, universities, whether public or private, are used as research hubs for advancing national development. He suggested that TETFund could partner with private universities based on their specialty or location to support specific research projects aligned with national goals.
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Dr. Abraham further explained that institutions like Topfaith University, which is situated in an oil palm-rich region, could be considered for research grants focused on agricultural innovation and biotechnology. He revealed that the university is already conducting extensive research in oil palm production, backed by a palm seedlings multiplication center integrated into the school’s entrepreneurship program.
“We aim to take oil palm production to a level of science, technology, and digital innovation,” he said.
He emphasized that excluding private universities from TETFund support could limit Nigeria’s collective intellectual and developmental potential.
“TETFund and the National Universities Commission (NUC) know the capabilities of each university. With proper assessment, the government can fund selected private universities for research that aligns with national priorities,” Abraham added.
He concluded by urging the government not to be selective in funding education and research. For Nigeria to thrive in a knowledge-driven economy, investment in innovation must cut across both public and private institutions.
