Lagos: Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, has unveiled a comprehensive seven-point vision aimed at transforming the institution into a center of academic excellence and innovation. Speaking at a news conference held at the university’s council chamber, Asikhia emphasized his administration’s commitment to fostering a godly environment, enhancing academic standards, and strengthening global partnerships.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Asikhia’s blueprint includes decentralizing services, promoting student-led chapel activities, and instilling discipline through mentorship rather than compulsion. The initiative also introduces the Caleb Academic Potentialisation Scheme (CAPS) to support students with low Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) through tutorials and mentorship programs. Additionally, a citizenship committee has been established to tackle absenteeism and unseriousness among students, further enhancing academic delivery.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted Caleb University’s recent achievement of emerging first in a national moot court competition, followed by representing Nigeria in South Africa, as a testament to the university’s growing academic strength. To streamline campus operations, a digitalized student management system has been introduced, enabling students to make food orders and submit exit requests online. The university is also integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technology into its curriculum to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
Asikhia reiterated the institution’s zero-tolerance policy for examination malpractices, emphasizing that integrity will not be compromised for grades. On research and innovation, he outlined the university’s goal to become the top institution in Nigeria and among the top 20 in Africa by 2030 in global ranking, and in impact ranking by 2027. Eleven centers of excellence have been established to drive innovation and industrial problem-solving.
The university has created a Centre for Global Engagement, Industry and Government Partnerships, coordinating relationships with leading institutions worldwide, including collaborations with the University of North Carolina (U.S.), University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), Kenyatta University (Kenya), and the University of London (UK). Discussions are ongoing with Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard universities for staff and student exchange programs.
Asikhia emphasized the institution’s commitment to entrepreneurship, encouraging students to register their companies and start operating businesses before graduation. The university is developing an endowment and investment strategy to ensure financial sustainability while commercializing its research outputs. A strategic plan with frameworks for performance monitoring and decentralized decision-making has been developed to enhance institutional governance.
Asikhia also announced the creation of a Green Student Council to drive eco-friendly initiatives on campus, reaffirming his commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability. He pledged improvements in welfare, hostel management, and infrastructural upgrades, including library and ICT facility expansion. Open communication with stakeholders will be sustained to ensure harmony and progress.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the media for its continued partnership in promoting responsible journalism and shaping public perception.