By: Our Correspondent.

...Prepares for maiden convocation

Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has secured a full operating licence from the National Universities Commission (NUC), marking a major milestone for the institution three years after it was licensed to operate.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olukayode Akinyemi, disclosed this at a press conference held at the university’s Senate Chamber on Friday.

Akinyemi said the approval followed an assessment visit in March 2026, during which the commission evaluated the university’s teaching and learning, research, administration, financial management and governance.

The development therefore marked a significant leap for the institution, which commenced academic activities in the 2023/2024 session with just 33 students and 17 approved degree programmes.

The university has since grown its student population to more than 500 and expanded its approved academic programmes to 34. It is also projecting close to 500 new students for the next academic session, subject to its admissions process, bringing its target to about 1,000 students.

The Vice-Chancellor said the institution’s progress went beyond enrolment figures, stressing that it had continued to invest in academic standards, infrastructure, staff development and community engagement.

“As part of efforts to produce graduates equipped for the demands of the modern workplace, the university has introduced a Four Certifications Model designed to give students academic, professional, information and communication technology, and entrepreneurial competencies.”

He said the university’s Law programme had also received approval from the Council of Legal Education, while the Nursing programme had been accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

He added that students enjoyed 50 per cent rebates for all programmes in the College of Arts, Management and Social Sciences, and 100 per cent rebates for Agriculture, courtesy of the Founder’s programme.

The Vice-Chancellor also noted that post-UTME screening would hold on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the university campus, while preparations were underway for the accreditation of 13 other programmes.

On infrastructure, Akinyemi said the university had completed its library and cafeteria, while additional hostel facilities and staff quarters were nearing completion.

He added that work was also ongoing to improve laboratories, Mass Communication studios and the English Language laboratory.

The institution was equally strengthening local and international partnerships to advance research, innovation, professional training and career development.

Its community development initiatives include poultry farmer empowerment, agricultural development, inter-school debates and youth mentoring programmes.

Part of the university’s future plans was to deepen its research and innovation activities, with a focus on food security, technology, information and communication technology, as well as artificial intelligence.

Akinyemi also hinted that the institution was participating in the reporting process for the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and putting all hands on deck for its maiden convocation ceremony and inaugural lecture in December 2026.

The inaugural lecture is expected to be delivered by the Founder and Chancellor, Major General (Dr.) Sansadeen Adebanjo Awosanya (rtd.).