The Vice-Chancellor of KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan, Professor Olajumoke Morenikeji, has said that the true measure of a university’s value lies in the quality of its teaching, students’ intellectual development and the integrity of its governance, rather than its age, number of academic programmes or physical infrastructure.
Morenikeji made the assertion on Monday during a press conference at the university’s campus in Ibadan, Oyo State, ahead of its 10th anniversary celebration and sixth convocation ceremony.
She said the briefing provided an opportunity 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 priorities for the future.
The university also announced that it would graduate 224 students across 16 academic disciplines, its largest graduating class since its establishment. Recent reports add that the Vice-Chancellor has called on the Federal Government to extend the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme to students in private universities, arguing that they should not be excluded from government-supported education financing because of the ownership status of their institutions. The Guardian+1
Morenikeji recalled that KolaDaisi University was established a decade ago by business mogul and Bashorun of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Daisi, with the vision of providing quality tertiary education, producing graduates with sound character and practical competence, and contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
She maintained that the future of private universities would depend less on expanding buildings or increasing the number of academic programmes and more on strict quality assurance, sound institutional governance, professional accreditation and the employability of graduates.
According to her, KDU has recorded steady growth, increasing its graduating population from 52 students in its early years to 224 this year. She attributed the progress to investments in modern lecture rooms, well-equipped laboratories, hostel accommodation, information and communication technology infrastructure and other facilities designed to support effective teaching and learning.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university had secured full accreditation for 22 academic programmes from the National Universities Commission, while other programmes were undergoing routine accreditation exercises.
She also highlighted professional recognition, including accreditation of the university’s Law programme by the Council of Legal Education in 2024. She disclosed that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria had conducted an accreditation exercise for the Nursing Science programme on 31 August 2026, with the university awaiting the outcome. Preparations were also under way for the accreditation of its Medical Laboratory Science programme. The Guardian+1
KDU currently offers programmes across the humanities, sciences, law, health sciences and engineering, including Biochemistry, Microbiology, Industrial Chemistry, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Mass Communication, Law, and History and Diplomatic Studies.
On research and innovation, Morenikeji said the university was working to establish a stronger research culture through formal research and intellectual property policies, a centralised database of research outputs, improved digital research infrastructure and support for competitive grant applications.
She cited the development of a patented plant-based bio-pesticide produced from locally sourced lemongrass and orange peel extracts as one of the institution’s research achievements.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the international research engagements of members of staff, including Dr John Akintola’s research visit to France, Dr Anne Adeyonju’s research activities in Canada and Dr Tenuola’s award of a child grant by the Maria Sibylla Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa. The grant supports research into displacement and indigenous farming practices in South-West Nigeria.
She said the university was also strengthening the practical relevance of its academic programmes through partnerships with industry leaders, internships, hands-on training and organised job fairs designed to connect graduating students with prospective employers.
In addition, partnerships with technical institutes have enabled students to obtain vocational certifications in areas such as multimedia installation, lighting and stage management, videography, creative production and event management.
On student welfare, Morenikeji said the university was investing in healthcare, sports facilities, hostel development and internet connectivity. She added that a partnership under the National Health Insurance Scheme was intended to provide students with access to affordable medical services.
She also commended the institution’s community engagement initiatives, including free health outreach programmes and infrastructural support for market women in neighbouring communities.
Looking ahead, the Vice-Chancellor said the university’s priorities for the next decade would include improving teaching and learning, expanding research and innovation, strengthening industry partnerships, enhancing graduate employability and improving campus infrastructure and student welfare.
She said the institution’s first decade had laid the foundation for growth, while the next phase would focus on deepening educational quality, expanding its impact and strengthening public confidence in its mission.
Morenikeji urged the graduating students to remain humble, innovative and principled, adding that the quality of their decisions, professional conduct and service to humanity should reflect the education they had received.
Earlier, the Registrar, Mr Haruna Adetu, welcomed media executives and other guests to the briefing and outlined activities for the university’s 10th anniversary and sixth convocation, scheduled to run from 26 October to 5 November 2026.
The programme includes sporting competitions, community health outreaches, entrepreneurship exhibitions, research activities, award presentations and the formal conferment of degrees.
In a related development, the university’s anniversary programme has attracted national attention with former President Olusegun Obasanjo scheduled to deliver the convocation lecture on Tuesday, 3 November, while Professor Ishaq Oloyede, immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, is expected to deliver the commencement address.
The celebrations will culminate in the sixth convocation ceremony on Thursday, 5 November, when the university will formally award degrees to the graduating students. The Sun Nigeria+2
Meanwhile, Morenikeji has urged the Federal Government to extend NELFUND support to students in private universities, maintaining that access to educational financing should not be determined solely by whether an institution is publicly or privately owned. The Guardian+1
The university’s 10th anniversary therefore provides an opportunity to assess not only its growth in student numbers and infrastructure but also its progress in academic quality, research, professional development and its contribution to society.
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