…Says private universities also cater to indigent students through scholarships
….Announces 40% salary increase as the institution strengthens staff welfare
….2,000 graduates set for convocation as research collaborations expand globally
Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, has called on the Federal Government to extend funding and policy support to private universities, arguing that many students in such institutions also come from less-privileged backgrounds and deserve equal consideration in national education interventions.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university Professor Olalekan Asikhia made this known during a convocation press conference held at the University Campus, Imota, Lagos State, where he addressed concerns around funding access, research development, staff welfare, and the institution’s upcoming 15th convocation programme.
According to him, there is a widespread assumption that students in public universities are more likely to come from disadvantaged homes, leading to government interventions being largely directed at public tertiary institutions.
He, however, noted that the reality is more complex.
Prof. Asikhia explained that private universities emerged partly due to the unstable academic calendar in public universities, as many parents sought institutions that could guarantee timely graduation and predictable academic schedules for their children.
Despite this, he said private universities still shoulder significant social responsibilities, including providing scholarships and financial assistance to indigent but academically gifted students.
He disclosed that Caleb University currently pays school fees for some students whose parents are unable to continue funding their education due to unforeseen circumstances such as death or financial hardship.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that if government is willing to support private universities, transparent verification mechanisms can be introduced to determine how many students are being supported financially by each institution.
He added that Vice-Chancellors across the country regularly meet under the Committee of Vice-Chancellors to deliberate on national challenges and develop strategies through academic contributions.
Speaking on the economic climate, he referenced discussions at a recent international conference on survival strategies in what experts describe as the “new abnormal,” highlighting the impact of the Naira’s sharp devaluation and rising fuel costs on institutions and citizens.
On research and innovation, university the Vice Chancellor stressed its commitment to ensuring research outputs address real societal problems rather than remaining theoretical academic exercises.
“Caleb University is currently focusing research efforts on critical global and national issues such as food security, climate change, and infrastructure development, including work on alternative construction materials.
He noted that interdisciplinary research across sciences, communication, and other fields is being strengthened through innovative teaching methods and practical learning approaches.
“The university also maintains research collaborations with international institutions, including Cambridge, as well as local partnerships with Lagos State University of Science and Technology, University of Lagos, Covenant University, and others.
These partnerships, according to the Vice Chancellor, enable joint research projects that improve quality, innovation, and global competitiveness.
“The institution is also promoting industry-driven research by involving private sector stakeholders from the conceptual stage of research projects.
Prof Asikhia said industry partners now present real-life challenges, which are then assigned to researchers and students to develop practical and commercially viable solutions.
On national research development, the Vice Chancellor called for increased funding, a coherent national research policy, and competitive grant systems to encourage universities to develop solutions to national problems.
He further suggested that universities should be ranked based on measurable research contributions to national development outcomes.
On staff welfare, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university introduced a new salary structure in October, resulting in a 40 per cent salary increase across categories.
Under the structure, professors receive an additional money while associate professors earn an additional increments placing the university among the highest-paying private universities in Nigeria.
Beyond salaries, he emphasized that staff welfare programmes remain a top priority, noting that remuneration alone does not guarantee staff well-being.
The university also released details of its upcoming convocation programme, beginning with a prayer forum on Monday, followed by a doctoral hooding ceremony on Tuesday and the main convocation ceremony on Wednesday.
The institution is set to graduate 2,000 students, including 1,625 undergraduate and 375 postgraduate students, with 40 graduating with First Class honours.
Detailed breakdown of degree classifications will be released through official university platforms, management said.
The university expressed optimism that sustained investment in research, staff welfare, and student support will strengthen its contribution to national development and global academic competitiveness.
