…Varsity Grows Enrolment From 33 To Over 500 In Three Years
Daud Olatunji
Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has secured a full operating licence from the National Universities Commission, three years after obtaining its initial approval to operate, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s development.
The university also announced plans to increase its student population to about 1,000 in the next academic session as it prepares for its maiden convocation ceremony and inaugural lecture scheduled for December 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, disclosed these developments at a press conference held at the university’s Senate Chamber on Friday.
Akinyemi said the full operating licence followed an assessment visit by the NUC in March 2026, during which the commission evaluated the university’s teaching and learning, research, administration, financial management and governance.
According to him, the approval represents a major step in the institution’s efforts to strengthen academic standards and establish itself as a growing centre of higher education.
The university commenced academic activities in the 2023/2024 academic session with 33 students and 17 approved degree programmes.
However, Akinyemi said the institution had since increased its enrolment to more than 500 students and expanded its approved academic programmes to 34.
He added that the university was projecting close to 500 new students for the next academic session, subject to its admissions process, with the aim of bringing its total student population to approximately 1,000.
The vice-chancellor stressed that the university’s progress was not limited to student enrolment, noting that it had continued to invest in infrastructure, staff development, academic quality and community engagement.
He said the institution had introduced a Four Certifications Model to equip students with the skills and competencies required to compete in the modern workplace.
“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.
Akinyemi disclosed that the university’s Law programme had received approval from the Council of Legal Education, while its Nursing programme had been accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
He said the approvals reflected the institution’s efforts to develop programmes that met the requirements of relevant professional and regulatory bodies.
The vice-chancellor also announced financial incentives aimed at improving access to university education.
According to him, students in all programmes under the College of Arts, Management and Social Sciences enjoy 50 per cent rebates, while students studying Agriculture receive 100 per cent rebates under the founder’s programme.
He further announced that the university’s post-UTME screening exercise would hold on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at its campus in Ago-Iwoye.
Akinyemi said preparations were also ongoing for the accreditation of 13 additional programmes as the institution sought to expand its academic offerings.
On infrastructure, he disclosed that the university had completed its library and cafeteria, while additional hostel facilities and staff quarters were nearing completion.
He added that ongoing projects included improvements to laboratories, Mass Communication studios and the English Language laboratory.
The vice-chancellor said the university was also strengthening local and international partnerships to promote research, innovation, professional training and career development.
He listed some of the institution’s community development initiatives as poultry farmer empowerment, agricultural development, inter-school debates and youth mentoring programmes.
According to him, the initiatives are designed to strengthen the university’s relationship with its host community while contributing to local development.
Akinyemi said the institution’s future priorities included expanding research and innovation, particularly in food security, technology, information and communication technology, and artificial intelligence.
He also disclosed that the university was participating in the reporting process for the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
The vice-chancellor said the institution was making preparations for its maiden convocation ceremony and inaugural lecture, both scheduled for December 2026.
The inaugural lecture, he added, would be delivered by the university’s Founder and Chancellor, Major General (Dr.) Sansadeen Adebanjo Awosanya (retd.).
The development marks another stage in the university’s growth as it seeks to consolidate its regulatory standing, expand enrolment, strengthen professional programmes and improve its academic and research capacity.
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