Lead City University (LCU) has marked its 20th anniversary with a renewed call for the federal government to extend the same benefits given to public universities to private institutions.
At a world press conference held today to kick off a weeklong celebration, LCU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Aderemi Adeyemo, who also chairs the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Private Universities, stressed the need to eliminate discrimination against private universities. He announced that a formal position paper addressing these concerns would soon be submitted to the National Assembly.
Advocacy for Government Support
Prof. Adeyemo highlighted key areas where private universities should receive assistance, including access to funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and government-backed scholarships for students.
“Private universities contribute significantly to Nigeria’s education sector and should not be excluded from benefits enjoyed by public institutions,” he stated. “We believe our institutions should be eligible for TETFund support, and our students should receive government scholarships to ease the burden of tuition costs.”
He also advocated for equal access to government-funded research grants and training programs for lecturers in private universities, arguing that TETFund resources, sourced from taxpayers, should be accessible to all universities, regardless of ownership.
Two Decades of Growth and Impact
Reflecting on LCU’s journey since its establishment in 2005, Prof. Adeyemo noted the university’s expansion from an initial student population of 4,000 to over 20,000 in 2025.
“Lead City University has remained a center of excellence, committed to providing quality education that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed in today’s world,” he said.
As part of its ongoing development, the university is set to unveil a new teaching hospital equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities to serve both students and the public.
“From a modest beginning, we have grown into one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, setting benchmarks in academic excellence, research, and community impact,” he added.
Unveiling of 20th Anniversary Logo
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of LCU’s 20th anniversary logo, symbolizing two decades of academic excellence and institutional growth. The ceremony was attended by university management, staff, students, and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the milestone.
Looking ahead, Prof. Adeyemo reaffirmed LCU’s commitment to innovation, research, and community engagement, while continuing to advocate for policies that promote fairness for private universities in Nigeria.
