Free education, at the university level is possible in Nigeria — IMSU VC

Nigerians can get free education at the university level if those managing the institutions are honest, transparent, accountable and passionate about their jobs.

The Vice Chancellor of the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie, said this in an interview granted to journalists to mark his first full year running the institution.

Speaking about the success of the tuition-free university system in the state, Awuzie said it all depends on the application of resources.

Free education, at the university level is possible in Nigeria, it depends on how you apply the resources, Awuzie said.

"All it takes is honesty, transparency, accountability and passion. When these are applied, free education is possible."

Awuzie, who is also the immediate past President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), gave the example of the IMSU and the Imo state government’s policy on free education.

"In Imo State, we have free education, because the state Governor is committed to ensuring that every child has access to university education, irrespective of social background.

"It is this passion and the prudent application of resources, which made it possible."

The Vice Chancellor also said universities can be financially independent if they focus on generating revenue internally.

"It has always been my candid opinion that universities should, to a great extent, be self-sustaining, financially.

"I have always reiterated my plan to lay a solid foundation, upon the expiration of my tenure, which would ensure that the university would be able to generate a bulk of the entire resources for its operations, through research outlets, endowments, alumni organisations and partnerships/linkages with national and international organisations."

He said his administration had repositioned the institution financially with its "drive for improved income generation for the university" through the sale of poultry products, meat from the piggery, fish products and feed mills products.

Awuzie said Commissioners of Education from other states are learning from the university.