By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Vice Chancellor, Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan, Professor Kabiru Adeyemo has recounted what he described as success strategies of his institution which has seen the school expanded its courses of study from 40 to 120 under his watch.
Flanked by other top management staff, the VC said sheer determination, commitment, unity of purpose, cohesion and great dedication are key factors that has helped the institution move on the trajectory of growth and greatness since the 20years of its establishment.
Professor Kabiru who said the management aside operating an open door policy also ensures that what must be done is done ro address any and every issues as they come.
The VC spoke during a World Press Conference which held at his office, as part of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of Lead City University, Ibadan.
He said the event was not to celebrate just two decades of excellence but also to reflect on the remarkable journey that has brought the University to its present state and to chart a path for an even greater future.
Recounting how he has steered the affairs of the institution, Prof Adeyemo said the University has continued to uphold high academic standards, earning full accreditation from the National University Commission (NUC) and other relevant professional bodies.
He added that the move was to ensure that graduates of the institution remain competitive both locally and internationally.
He said, “Under my leadership, LCU expanded its programmes from 40 to 120, introducing disciplines like medicine and surgeries, doctor of pharmacy, doctor of physitheraphy, dentistry, surveying and geo-informatics, urban and regional plannning, building, medical labouratory science, engineering, anatomy, public health, tourism and hospitality studies and other programmes in across the nine faculties.
“Our programmes have received full accreditation from the National Universitiss Commision (NUC) amd other relevant professional bodies, reaffirming the high standards of our academic offerings.”
He added “The relationship between the members of the management is, we have cohesion, unity of purpose. We are united and we are actually dedicated. We believe that if things must be done, it has to be done.
“Then, in this university, we are always ready to address issues as it comes. We don’t believe that you should grant a certain committee. If there is any issue now, the Registrar, Bursar, management, we can call meeting at any point of time. For example, last week, we called a meeting at around 4PM. And unlike other public universities where they will be raising questions as to why and make things slack. No. The head of Department, the Deans and every members of management and staff are all loyal to the system.
“And we have a very good support from our Council. The Chairman of Council is a professor who believes in this profession and believes that we should do it right. As a chief professor, you know what it entails.
“So, this work commitment is very, very high. These are the things that make us stand out. We also run an open door police to the system. The door of the Vice-Chancellor’s office is open. You need not to register before you see the VC. And my phone is always on 24 hours.
“The students are here because of us. And there is a contractual relationship between us and the students, which we must help to fulfill. And we don’t even see them as our students, we see them as our children, so that at the end of the day, because these are the leaders of Nigeria. Yes, not only Nigeria, the world.
And all of us here, we have our children there. My children are here, the children of course, the registrar and many other staffs are also here, doing well.
“So Lead City University is a great university that has produced eminent students, graduates, across the globe.”
He added that the institution has in the last 20years committed to its misssion of producing graduates who are job creators and not job seekers.
He recounted some current students who recently helped developed software which the university has adopted to help in the feeding of the students, among others that are currently in use by the management.
He said the University had produced over 25,000 graduates in the last 20years and its current student are over 20,000, assuring that the institutions will soon open its ultramodern teaching hospital both for learning and providing medical and health services for people from within and outside the country.
Additionally, he said the institution as won grants, local and international reputation and also recently awarded over N322million in scholarship to 905 students during the 2022/2023 academic session based on merit and financial need.
He said, the University, will in the cause of the celebration of the 20years, gove scholarship to two indigent students each from all the 33 local government areas of the state.
The VC later after the conference led the top management staff to unveil the 20years anniversary logo amidst fanfare.
