… Targets 2026/2027 session for takeoff

… Inaugurates 4th Governing Council, names Adebise Pro-Chancellor

Elizade University has inaugurated its 4th Governing Council, marking what the institution’s leadership has described as the beginning of a new era of growth and institutional excellence.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Council Chamber of the University, brought together the Founder and Visitor, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, OON, members of the Board of Trustees, the newly appointed Governing Council, University Management, and other key stakeholders.

Mr Ademola Adebise, former Group Managing Director of Wema Bank Plc, was announced as the new Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the University.

The founder, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, charged the new Council to build upon the achievements of previous administrations while steering the institution towards greater institutional independence and sustainable growth.

Ade. Ojo said his decision to establish the university was driven by a desire to provide quality education for Nigerian youths and to reduce the attraction of foreign universities.

The founder disclosed that the university, which received its operational licence from the federal government in February 2012 and admitted its first students in January 2013 with 13 programmes and two faculties, had grown substantially and now offers 35 academic programmes, all fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant professional bodies.

He revealed that he had committed several billions of naira to the development of the institution, urging the new Council to lead an aggressive endowment drive by connecting Elizade University with corporate organisations, philanthropists, and other people of goodwill.

He stressed that his continued financial commitment to the institution would remain strong, adding that his determination to nurture Elizade University to maturity had not waned.

The founder also advised against divisive politics within the new council, urging members to work together as a team for the overall development of the university.

According to him, the success of the institution depends on unity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to its vision.

He commended the immediate past Governing Council, led by Emeritus Professor Olufemi Bamiro, for laying what he described as a solid foundation for the continued development of the University.

On his part, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Philip Oguntunde, described the inauguration as the beginning of a new chapter of strategic growth and impactful governance.

He said the governing council remained crucial to the overall governance of the university, particularly in policy formulation and enforcement, adding that its members had a major responsibility to position Elizade University for global competitiveness.

Oguntunde commended the Board of Trustees for reconstituting the Council shortly after the expiration of the tenure of the previous Council, saying the action ensured continuity and prevented a governance vacuum.

He also highlighted the need for the university to reduce its dependence on the founder through stronger endowment and institutional partnerships, appealing to council members to leverage their networks to attract corporate organisations and other development partners to the university.

He assured that management was ready to work closely with the council towards achieving greater financial and institutional independence.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university had recently hosted the National Universities Commission (NUC) for resource verification of its proposed Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.

He said the university was awaiting the outcome of the exercise and would subsequently invite the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for an advisory visit.

Subject to favourable responses from the regulatory bodies, he said the university planned to commence its medical programme in the 2026/2027 academic session.

The new pro-chancellor and chairman of council, Adebise, described his appointment as both an honour and a profound responsibility.

According to him, the inauguration was more than a ceremonial transition, describing it as “the beginning of a new chapter” in the history of the University.

He pledged that the new Council would uphold the trust reposed in it by the Board of Trustees and work to advance the mission and vision of Elizade University.

Calling on members of the Council to bring their expertise, creativity, and commitment to bear on their responsibilities, he pledged that the Council would provide an environment where valuable ideas would be heard and given serious consideration.

He expressed confidence that the collective capacity and determination of the new Council would take Elizade University to greater heights.

Adebise also paid tribute to the Founder for his sustained investment in the education of Nigerian youths, describing his contribution as evidence of a profound commitment to the nation and a vision that transcended commercial considerations.

He equally commended the immediate past Pro-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Olufemi Bamiro, and previous Councils for laying a strong foundation for the University’s growth in reputation, academic standing, and institutional credibility.

Other members of the Governing Council include Mr Raphael Aladetimi, former Bursar of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA); Prof. Helen Olayinka Ogunsuyi, Professor of Fuel/Analytical Chemistry; Mr Olakunle Ade-Ojo, Managing Director, Toyota Nigeria Limited; and Mr Ayodeji Omotoso, SAN.

Also part of the council are Mr Suleiman Adedokun, Mrs Olajumoke Ajayi, Mr Lawrence Bakare, Sports Patron; Prof. Babatope Kolawole; Mr Abdul-Raheem Ahmad, representing the National Universities Commission; and Dr Akindele Ige.

Others are Prof. Omotola Dada, Professor of Environmental Management and Toxicology, and Prof. Babatunde Akanji, Professor of Human Resource Management. Omololu Adegbenro, Registrar of Elizade University, serves as Secretary to the Council.