The KolaDaisi University 10th anniversary celebrations will hold from October 26 to November 5, with a record 224 students set to graduate at the sixth convocation ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olajumoke Morenikeji, announced this on Monday at a press conference on the university campus in Ibadan.
She said the true value of a university lies in the quality of its teaching, the intellectual growth of its students and the integrity of its governance. According to her, the number of years it has existed, the programmes it runs or the buildings it owns matter less.
KolaDaisi University, popularly called KDU, was founded ten years ago by business mogul and Bashorun of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Daisi.
Professor Morenikeji noted that the school has grown from 52 graduates in its early years to 224 this year. She credited the growth to steady investment in lecture rooms, laboratories, hostels and ICT facilities.
On academic standards, she assured parents that most programmes now have full accreditation from the National Universities Commission. The remaining ones are undergoing routine re-accreditation.
The university also holds approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and is working with other professional bodies to open clear career paths for its graduates.
Courses on offer include Biochemistry, Microbiology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Accounting, Economics, Mass Communication, Law, and History and Diplomatic Studies.
The Vice-Chancellor also spoke about research. She said KDU has put in place research and intellectual property policies, and she pointed to a patented bio-pesticide made locally from lemongrass and orange peel extract.
She added that some lecturers have gained international exposure. Dr. John Akintola visited a research institute in France, and Dr. Anne Adeyonju carried out research in Canada.
Dr. Tenuola also received a child grant from the Maria Sibylla Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa for research on displacement and indigenous farming in South-West Nigeria.
For students, she said learning goes beyond the classroom. Several departments have industry partnerships for hands-on training, and job fairs connect graduating students with employers.
The university has also teamed up with technical institutes to offer vocational certificates in videography, event management, creative production and stage lighting.
On welfare, she listed investments in healthcare, sports and internet access. A partnership under the National Health Insurance Scheme also gives students affordable medical care.
Looking ahead, she said the next decade will focus on teaching quality, research, industry partnerships and campus facilities.
She urged the graduating students to remain humble, innovative and principled, and to let their work and service speak for their education.
The Registrar, Mr. Haruna Adetu, said the two weeks of activities will include sports competitions, health outreaches, entrepreneurship exhibitions, award presentations and the conferment of degrees.
A Convocation Lecture will also be delivered by former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
