Emomotimi Agama Calls for Private Universities to Tap into Capital Markets

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, has called on private universities in Nigeria to explore capital market financing as a means of sustainable growth. According to a report by Tribune Online, Agama made this appeal during a recent visit to a private university in Abuja. He emphasized that tapping into the capital market could provide the much-needed funds for infrastructure development, research, and academic programs. Agama also highlighted the benefits of listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for these institutions, such as improved transparency and accountability. This call comes amidst growing concerns about the financial sustainability of many private universities in Nigeria. While some have resorted to increasing tuition fees, others have struggled to maintain their facilities. The SEC DG’s advice is timely and could potentially open a new avenue for private universities to secure funds without relying solely on tuition fees or donations. However, the specific challenges faced by each university may vary, and it remains to be seen how many will take up this recommendation. The SEC’s role in guiding these institutions through the capital market process could play a crucial role in ensuring the success of this initiative.