Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, has outlined financial self-reliance, stronger institutional partnerships and expansion into medical education as key priorities for its newly inaugurated Governing Council.
The university said the council, chaired by former Group Managing Director of Wema Bank Plc, Mr Ademola Adebise, is expected to lead efforts to strengthen the institution’s financial sustainability, expand its academic frontiers and position it for greater global competitiveness.
Speaking at the inauguration of the fourth Governing Council, founder and Visitor of the university, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, said the institution had reached a stage where it must begin to reduce its dependence on his personal financial support.
Ade-Ojo, who disclosed that he had invested several billions of naira in the development of the university, said the council should pursue an aggressive endowment drive by establishing stronger links with corporate organisations, philanthropists and other development partners.
He said: ‘The time has come for the university to strive for self-reliance.’
He explained that the university was established to provide quality education for Nigerian youths and reduce the attraction of foreign universities, adding that the institution had grown from 13 programmes and two faculties at inception to 35 fully accredited academic programmes.
The founder charged the new council to build on the foundation laid by previous councils while promoting unity and avoiding divisive politics that could undermine the institution’s development.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Philip Oguntunde, said the administration was also prioritising the diversification of the university’s funding base through endowment and strategic partnerships.
According to him, council members would be expected to deploy their professional and corporate networks to attract organisations and individuals capable of supporting the university’s development.
Oguntunde said the university was equally expanding its academic frontiers, disclosing that the National Universities Commission had recently conducted resource verification for its proposed Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.
He said the university was awaiting the outcome of the verification exercise and would thereafter invite the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for an advisory visit.
The Vice-Chancellor said Elizade University planned to commence the MBBS programme in the 2026/2027 academic session, subject to favourable regulatory approvals.
He said other priorities included strengthening research, improving infrastructure, raising academic standards and deepening transparency and accountability in the administration of the institution.
The new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Adebise, described his appointment as a call to service, pledging that the council would provide purposeful leadership anchored on integrity, honesty and diligence.
Adebise said the council would focus on advancing the university’s mission and vision while creating an environment where innovative ideas could thrive.
He commended Ade-Ojo for his sustained investment in the education sector, describing the founder’s contribution as evidence of a commitment to national development.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past Pro-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Olufemi Bamiro, and previous councils to the growth and credibility of the university.