... As VC decries exclusion of private university students from government-backed education funding schemes


Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, is set to graduate 836 students at its 16th convocation ceremony, with 98 undergraduates earning first-class degrees.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Omolola Irinoye, disclosed this during a press briefing ahead of the ceremony scheduled for October 30 to November 1, 2026.

The graduating students comprise 786 undergraduates and 50 postgraduate students, according to figures released by the university.

The 98 first-class graduates represent approximately 12.5 per cent of the undergraduate graduands.

Speaking on the number of first-class graduates and comparisons between private and public universities, Irinoye defended the institution's academic standards, insisting that private universities that invest in quality education should be expected to produce excellent results.

She said, "For private universities that believe in quality education and invest in providing it, much is expected of them. People do not complain or comment when we report third-class graduates, but when we produce first-class graduates, questions are raised."

The vice-chancellor said the university invested in quality assurance mechanisms to ensure that students received grades reflecting their academic performance.

"We are open to scrutiny to an extent that we can provide details of how our students achieve their academic results. We invest in quality assurance tools and other mechanisms to ensure that we maintain high academic standards," she said.

Irinoye added that the institution provided a conducive learning environment, including reliable electricity and adequate accommodation, to support students' academic activities.

Beyond academic performance, the vice-chancellor called for the inclusion of private university students in government-backed education funding schemes, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Her position raises concerns about access to education financing for students in private institutions and the extent to which government-supported funding arrangements can accommodate their needs.

The graduating students are drawn from various disciplines, including Law, Engineering and Technology, Medical and Health Sciences, Sciences, and Social and Management Sciences.

Nursing Science recorded the highest number of graduands among the programmes highlighted at the briefing, with 191 students, while 61 students are graduating from the Law programme.

On medical education, the university disclosed that its annual admission quota for Medicine had increased from 50 to 120 students.

It also announced that its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme had secured pre-clinical accreditation, while 86 per cent of its students passed the Part I MBBS examination.

The convocation ceremony will feature a lecture by the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Emomotimi Agama.

Those listed for honorary recognition include the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesimbo Ademefun Kiladejo; Capt. Edward Boyo; and Engr. Norbert C. Oleah.