Include private varsities in TETFund, Amadeus VC urges FG

The Vice Chancellor, Amadeus University, Amizi in the Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Prof. Samuel Nzotta, has called on the Federal Government to review the mode of operations of Tertiary Education Trust Fund to enable the intervention body to provide research grants to scholars in private universities.

Nzotta made the appeal on Thursday at a press conference heralding the university’s maiden matriculation, saying, “This will enhance staff development in private universities and ensure holistic research activities in the country generally.”

Nzotta called on public-spirited individuals in the local government and the state to assist the university with dedicated infrastructural projects to enhance teaching, research, and growth.

The VC described the university as “a world-class, digital university where research, innovation and a culture of excellence are emphasised”, adding, “The university has been positioned to produce graduates who are knowledgeable, highly skilled and globally competitive. It is expected that at the end of the day, our graduates shall be job creators and not job seekers.”

The VC disclosed that about 40 students will be matriculated in four National University Commission-approved faculties of Computer Engineering, Science and Computing, Social and Management Sciences and Allied Health Sciences, comprising of 19 courses, including, a course in Cyber Security.

He further disclosed research activities in the university, “From the onset, the university has prioritized research as an important pillar of its academic activities. As a result, the university instituted holistic research activities – generally as a framework for scholarship.

“The Founder/Proprietor of Amadeus University has provided an initial research fund of N10 million to kickstart research activities in the university. This is well appreciated and points to the direction of research activities in the system.”

The university, he also said, has established a modern and technologically advanced JAMB Computer Based Test Centre on campus to increase its visibility amongst prospective admission candidates, maintaining that the CBT centre shall positively affect the inflow and choice of students into the University, during the annual JAMB admission exercise.

“The CBT centre shall also reduce the stress candidates undergo during the yearly admission cycle,” he added.

He announced the establishment of a radio station for Mass Communication Department, stating that the university has started paperwork, saying that the radio will be in air soon.

It is expected that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, will officially unveil the school, while the Abia State governor, Alex Otti will be the guest of honour.