KWASU SUBVENTION: Scenario Played Out With The Current Administration
By Hammed Adedayo Said
The Kwara State University (KWASU) is currently facing a zero subvention crisis, and the academics of the institution are demanding immediate action to resolve this issue. As an alumnus of KWASU, I feel the need to shed some light on this situation and set the record straight.
Let me make it clear from the start that I am not in conformity with the current administration of Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and his oligarchy system of government. However, it is important to note that he should not be solely blamed for the subvention crisis. The government is a continuum, and the actions of previous administrations have a significant impact on the current state of affairs.
During the tenure of Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’allah, the former Vice Chancellor of KWASU, he expressed his ambition to make the institution financially independent and self-sufficient. While this seemed like a laudable goal, it overlooked the potential consequences for the students and their parents. School fees became exorbitant, and additional unplanned and unnecessary fees were levied on the students, causing great financial strain on the families.
The subvention crisis at KWASU actually began when Na’allah attempted to impress the previous administration led by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed. While it is understandable that an administrator would want to showcase their ability to generate revenue for the institution, it should not come at the expense of burdening the students and their families with unreasonable fees.
However, it is not just the previous administration of Abdulfatai Ahmed that should be blamed for not looking after the well-being of the academics of the institution. The responsibility lies with successive administrations, including the current one, for failing to adequately address the subvention crisis.
The demand for subvention by the academics is a justifiable plea. Without sufficient financial support from the government, KWASU faces numerous challenges. Lecturers' salaries are delayed, the condition of facilities deteriorates, and research projects suffer due to the lack of funds. All these factors directly impact the quality of education being offered at the institution.
It is disheartening to see the immense amount of financial resources being allocated to projects with questionable returns on investment, such as the 17.8 billion Naira Kwara Hotel Remodeling. Instead of focusing on these extravagant projects, the government should prioritize the education sector and provide the necessary funding to ensure the smooth operation of KWASU.
Education plays a vital role in societal development, and neglecting the academic sector will hinder progress in various fields. The government should recognize the significance of investing in higher education institutions like KWASU. By allocating adequate funds to the institution, the subvention crisis can be addressed, and the overall quality of education can be improved.
Transparency and accountability should also be emphasized in the disbursement of funds. Independent bodies should be engaged to monitor the usage of subvention, ensuring that it is exclusively utilized for the betterment of KWASU and its academic community.
As an alumnus, I implore the government to address this subvention crisis promptly. KWASU has the potential to excel and make significant contributions to the development of Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole. It is high time for the government to fulfill its responsibilities and invest in the future of the institution and its students.
The focus should be on providing quality education and creating an enabling environment for learning, rather than extravagant projects that do little to uplift the community. It is time for the government to prioritize education and give it the attention it deserves. Only then can we ensure a brighter future for KWASU and its students.
Written by Hammed Adedayo Said, A public affairs analyst and media consultant.
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