The Centre for Distance Learning (CDL), Obafemi Awolowo University generated a sum of N3,097,220,700 in revenue from its pre-degree programme between 2011 and 2015, the findings of the Vice-Chancellor’s task force has revealed.
Sometime in September, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Anthony Elujoba had set up a taskforce with a view to look into realistic revenue-sharing formula for all the University IGR outfits, including the CDL.
In the report of the taskforce chaired by Prof. O. Adejuyigbe of the Department of Surgery, it revealed that most revenue generated by the distance learning centre came from its pre-degree programme. According to the report, application for the pre-degree programme within those years raked in N509,357,100 while tuition fee paid by admitted students totalled N1,514,896,000.
Some other charges which include “hostel Accommodation which is collected on behalf of the third party (Hostel Owners), Health Care Fees, Identity Card Fees, Caution Fees and E-service, E-portal Services and Administrative Fees,” were categorised as ‘Miscellaneous Fees’ in the account book of the centre. The miscellaneous fees accrued a total of N1,078,967,600 between 2011 and 2015.
From the report, OAU Peeps News Agency observed that a revenue sharing formula of 60% to the University and 40% to the Centre was used in 2011 and 2012, while a 50-50 sharing formula was eventually adopted in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Explaining the change in revenue sharing formula, the Director of the Centre for Distance Learning, Professor H. B. Olaniyi told the taskforce that “it was when it became imperative to construct the Administrative Block and other infrastructures that a submission was presented to the University that the Centre could not survive on the 40% share, and after the University in its wisdom considered the submission, it approved the 50/50 sharing formula”.
However, the taskforce noted in its findings that the Directorate of Audit had not been reviewing the Centre’s Books of Account. Furthermore, the taskforce stated that from its interactions with the representatives of the Bursar and the Director, Internal Audit, it appeared that the University has not been assertive as it should be as there were no evidences that showed that the University directed that the Centre’s Books of Account to be reviewed by the Internal Audit.
“There is no section of the Bursary Department that is saddled with the keeping of the financial transactions of the Centre and as such it appeared difficult to confirm the financial records presented by Mr.Faniran, the Centre’s Accountant,” the report added.
The OAU pre-degree is one of the most expensive in Nigeria and students pay over N200,000 for the 9-month programme. The 2016/2017 academic session resumed some days ago while some the graduates of the previous session are still awaiting admission into the degree programmes of the university.
0 comments: