The Vice Chancellor of Coal City University, Enugu, Prof. Afam Icha Ituma, has called on the Federal Government to extend key educational intervention programmes, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), to private universities and their students.
Speaking during a press briefing in Enugu, Prof. Ituma argued that private universities play a vital role in developing skilled manpower for the country and should not be excluded from initiatives aimed at strengthening higher education.
He expressed disappointment that students of private universities are currently ineligible for NELFUND loans, noting that the policy limits access to quality education for many deserving students.
The Vice Chancellor also dismissed reports alleging that the university owed staff salaries and had experienced a prolonged strike action, describing the claims as false and misleading.
According to him, Coal City University has consistently paid staff salaries and has never witnessed a strike since its establishment.
Prof. Ituma further addressed concerns surrounding a recent incident involving some staff and students, stating that the institution had already taken disciplinary measures, including suspensions and the establishment of a review committee to investigate the matter.
Reaffirming the university’s commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and due process, he noted that all 26 academic programmes offered by the institution have received the necessary approvals and accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The Vice Chancellor maintained that Coal City University remains fully operational and committed to providing quality education while pursuing its vision of becoming a world-class institution.
