The General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Prof. Daniel Olukoya, has attributed the high tuition fees charged by faith-based universities in Nigeria to escalating maintenance and energy costs, particularly electricity expenses.
Speaking after receiving an honorary doctoral degree in Management from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Olukoya highlighted how energy tariffs have significantly impacted the operations of Nigerian universities. He stated that maintaining academic facilities, paying competitive salaries, and managing power costs are the primary drivers of the high fees charged by these institutions.
As the proprietor of Mountain Top University, Ogun State, one of Nigeria’s 13 faith-based universities, Olukoya acknowledged that many parents find it challenging to afford the fees. However, he defended the universities, emphasizing that the costs are necessary to ensure quality education.
“It is not the fault of the proprietors,” Olukoya explained. “I am one of them. I understand the struggles of the poor because I experienced it myself. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to university. But the reality is, if you don’t pay lecturers and professors well, you won’t attract quality educators. Private universities have to offer competitive salaries to retain good staff.”
Olukoya further revealed that a significant portion of the operational budget at Mountain Top University is spent on diesel to power generators, though efforts are underway to install solar energy systems.
Addressing Nigeria’s broader challenges, including insecurity and economic difficulties, Olukoya called for divine intervention through prayer. He said, “Prayer is the ultimate weapon that can dismantle any problem. Nigeria needs divine intervention more than ever. Let God intervene because what we face now is beyond human capacity.”
Olukoya’s remarks come amidst debates over the affordability of faith-based universities, which aim to balance financial sustainability with their mission to provide quality education.
