VC Criticizes JAMB’s Surplus Remittance to FG—Here’s Why It Sparks Debate

The vice chancellor of Trinity University, Prof. Clement Kolawole, has requested that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) allocate its surplus funds from Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination candidates to universities.

Kolawole compared JAMB’s transfer of funds to the federal government to “carrying coal to Newcastle,” underscoring the necessity for a more strategic distribution of resources.

This appeal from the VC was expressed in a statement released by the institution’s Principal Assistant Registrar, Michael Bamigbola, on Wednesday.

The VC argued that surplus funds from UTME candidates should be reinvested into universities to enhance research, projects, and infrastructure development.

Kolawole stated, “This strongly supports the case for diverting JAMB’s excess funds to universities.

“Revenue from JAMB, which is derived from university applicants, ought to be reinvested in universities to bolster research, projects, and infrastructure.

“By channeling JAMB’s surplus revenue back to universities and ensuring inclusive funding in education, Nigeria can make significant strides in improving the quality and accessibility of higher education.”

Additionally, the VC of Trinity University reiterated his appeal for students in private universities to also benefit from the National Education Loan Fund.

He mentioned that private universities should likewise gain from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund initiatives.

Kolawole argued that the exclusion of private universities and their students is unjust and contravenes the Nigerian Constitution.

“Students in private universities are Nigerians and should have equal eligibility for NELFUND.

“Excluding them represents discrimination, which breaches the Nigerian Constitution, which forbids inequity based on social status or any other criteria.

“The Constitution of Nigeria prohibits any form of discrimination against a Nigerian based on social status, gender, or any other reason. Thus, this situation constitutes a violation of our constitution.”

He emphasized that these recommendations would significantly contribute to promoting equal access to education funding and foster the growth of private universities in Nigeria.