Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, marked a major milestone over the weekend as it matriculated 212 new students during its second-ever matriculation ceremony. The event showcased the University’s commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and practical skills development for the future.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Carl Adams, highlighted the University’s unique approach of integrating technology and skills across all academic programs. According to him, the goal is to nurture students who are not just knowledgeable but also industry-ready and innovative.
“We have developed a whole bunch of new technologies. We’ve got seven patents on the go, and we’re not even two years old yet. But what that means is that we’re bringing the best technologies, the best learning materials, the best facilities to support our students,” he said.
Professor Adams, a well-known academic in Artificial Intelligence, emphasized that the University is focused on creating homegrown technological solutions.
“So it is not borrowing other people’s technologies, it is developing the technologies here. We want Nigeria to be at the forefront of technology development and application development using those technologies. So technology on its own is just a paperweight. It is how you use it, and that is what we are embedding, those skills, how to use that technology. So whether that be 3D printing, designing innovative products,” he explained.
He also shared that the University is already engaged in groundbreaking research in areas like space technology and sickle cell, with significant strides being made in satellite technology and AI deployment.
The Pro-Chancellor, Professor Ibrahim Katampe, shared updates on the rapid growth of the institution. From just 58 students at inception in 2024, the University now boasts over 200 new enrollees, prompting strategic expansion plans.
“We have to expand but our expansion is very strategic. In a few months, because our student population is increasing, we will be moving some courses to our Jahi property. Within the next one month, we will begin development of our permanent site at Idu. We have 100 hectares of land, and it is very strategic—by the airport,” he said.
He added that Cosmopolitan University is forging strong partnerships in the health and allied sciences, including collaborations with the University of Portsmouth and National Hospital, Abuja. These partnerships aim to ensure top-tier training for students in nursing and related programs.
Katampe also revealed that the University has secured international funding to support its programs.
“We have gotten seed funding from European Space Agency which is based in the UK, and other seeds funding to enable us do what we are doing,” he said.
“Starting from this year some of our students will go to China for three to four months – this is a global engagement,” he added.
Dr. Mani, the University Registrar, reiterated the University’s mission to prepare students for real-world challenges.
“The University aims to equip our graduates with the necessary skills that will prepare them for the 21st-century job environment, whether as employers or labour entrepreneurs or people that actually want to make a difference in their society.”
Chairing the ceremony was Chancellor Alhaji Nu’uman Barau Danbatta, represented by Mr. Dayo Elliot Babatunde, who praised the University for living up to expectations by deploying innovative teaching strategies and fostering an AI-driven academic culture.
The Guest of Honour, Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo, commended Cosmopolitan University for becoming a shining example of academic excellence. He encouraged the new students to remain focused, adding that:
“The journey ahead will be challenging but will be rewarding. The future of our great nation depends on you.”
The ceremony concluded with the official matriculation oath, administered by Dr. Mani, welcoming the new students into the University community.
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