The Vice-Chancellor of KolaDaisi University Ibadan Professor Olajumoke Morenikeji said the true value of a higher institution lies in the quality of its teaching students’ intellectual development and the integrity of its governance rather than the number of years it has existed programmes offered or physical structures.
Morenikeji spoke on Monday at a press conference held on the university campus in Ibadan ahead of its 10th anniversary and sixth convocation ceremony.
She said the briefing was organised not only to announce activities lined up for the celebrations but also to review the institution’s achievements over the past decade and outline its future priorities.
The vice-chancellor recalled that KolaDaisi University popularly known as KDU was established ten years ago by business mogul and Bashorun of Ibadanland Chief Kola Daisi.
She said the institution was founded with a commitment to providing quality tertiary education producing graduates with sound character and practical competence and contributing to Nigeria’s social and economic development.
Reflecting on the state of tertiary education in the country the Vice-Chancellor emphasised that the future of private universities will not be determined by building expansion or multiplying academic programmes but by strict adherence to quality assurance institutional governance professional accreditation and graduates’ marketability.
Professor Morenikeji said at the briefing that the university will graduate a record 224 students across 16 academic disciplines at the upcoming convocation ceremony.
She pointed out that the university has grown from a modest total of 52 graduates in its early years to 224 this year reflecting steady expansion made possible by sustained investments in modern lecture rooms well-equipped laboratories comfortable hostel accommodation robust ICT infrastructure and other essential facilities for a modern learning environment.
She reassured parents and stakeholders of the institution’s academic standards explaining that KDU has secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission for most of its academic programmes across various faculties while others are currently undergoing routine re-accreditation.
The university presently runs competitive programmes spanning humanities sciences law health sciences and engineering including specialised courses such as Biochemistry Microbiology Industrial Chemistry Computer Science Cybersecurity Accounting Business Administration Economics Mass Communication Law and History and Diplomatic Studies.
Beyond academic approval the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university has earned key professional approvals notably from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and is actively engaging other regulatory and professional bodies to ensure KDU graduates have clear uninterrupted professional pathways upon graduation.
To further elevate the institution’s academic standing Professor Morenikeji highlighted ongoing efforts to build a robust research culture.
She noted that KDU has instituted formal research and intellectual property policies established a centralised database of research outputs and provided strong support for digital research infrastructure and competitive grant proposals.
She shared notable examples of the university’s research achievements including a patented plant-based bio-pesticide formulated locally from lemongrass and orange peel extract.
She also cited international recognition achieved by KDU scholars such as Dr. John Akintola’s research visit to a prestigious institute in France Dr. Anne Adeyonju’s research endeavours in Canada and Dr. Tenuola’s award of a child grant by the Maria Sibylla Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa for critical research on displacement and indigenous farming practices in South-West Nigeria.
Many other academic staff she added continue to represent the university at international symposia and benefit from foreign academic fellowships.
Professor Morenikeji stressed that learning at KDU extends beyond classroom lectures explaining that several academic departments have struck partnerships with industry leaders to secure practical hands-on training for students while university teams work actively to link graduating talent directly with employers through organised job fairs.
In addition KDU has partnered with technical institutes to offer campus-based vocational certifications in high-demand skills such as multimedia installation lighting and stage management videography creative production and event management.
On student welfare and community engagement the Vice-Chancellor reiterated the management’s dedication to maintaining a safe comfortable and vibrant campus life.
She listed ongoing investments in healthcare sports host-building projects internet connectivity and a partnership under the National Health Insurance Scheme to guarantee affordable medical care for all students. She also commended KDU’s community outreach initiatives which include regular free health drives and infrastructural support for market women within the host communities.
Looking ahead to the next decade Professor Morenikeji revealed that management will focus heavily on deepening educational quality strengthening teaching and learning expanding research and innovation building strong industry partnerships for graduate employment and improving overall campus welfare and infrastructure.
She reassured the public that while the first decade established the foundational building blocks the coming decade will deepen KDU’s impact and solidify public confidence in its mission.
Charging the graduating set to be worthy ambassadors of their alma mater the Vice-Chancellor urged them to remain humble innovative and principled as they step into the world letting the quality of their choices the excellence of their work and their service to humanity speak for their education.
Earlier in his opening remarks the Registrar of the university Mr. Haruna Adetu welcomed media executives and guests to the briefing. He announced that the 10th anniversary and sixth convocation ceremonies will span two weeks running from October 26 to November 5 and will feature sports competitions community health outreaches entrepreneurship exhibitions award presentations the formal conferment of degrees and a high-profile Convocation Lecture to be delivered by former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.