Elizade University in Ondo State, Nigeria, has outlined key priorities for its newly inaugurated Governing Council. These priorities include achieving financial self-reliance, strengthening institutional partnerships, and expanding into medical education. The council, chaired by former Group Managing Director of Wema Bank Plc, Ademola Adebise, aims to enhance the institution's financial sustainability and global competitiveness. The university's founder, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, emphasized the need for the institution to reduce its dependence on his personal financial support.
Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, the founder and Visitor of Elizade University, has invested heavily in the institution's development, disclosing that several billions of naira have been spent. He tasked the new council with pursuing an aggressive endowment drive by establishing links with corporate organizations, philanthropists, and development partners. Ade-Ojo stated that the time has come for the university to strive for self-reliance. The institution was established to provide quality education for Nigerian youths and reduce the attraction of foreign universities.
Elizade University has grown significantly since its inception, from 13 programmes and two faculties to 35 fully accredited academic programmes. The founder charged the new council to build on the foundation laid by previous councils while promoting unity and avoiding divisive politics. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Philip Oguntunde, said the administration is prioritizing the diversification of the university's funding base through endowment and strategic partnerships. Council members are expected to deploy their professional and corporate networks to attract supportive organizations and individuals.
The university is expanding its academic frontiers, with the National Universities Commission recently conducting a resource verification for its proposed Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme. The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university is awaiting the outcome of the verification exercise and would thereafter invite the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for an advisory visit. Elizade University plans to commence the MBBS programme in the 2026/2027 academic session, subject to favourable regulatory approvals.
Other priorities for the university include strengthening research, improving infrastructure, raising academic standards, and deepening transparency and accountability in the administration. The new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ademola Adebise, described his appointment as a call to service, pledging that the council would provide purposeful leadership anchored on integrity, honesty, and diligence. Adebise said the council would focus on advancing the university's mission and vision while creating an environment where innovative ideas can thrive.
Ademola Adebise commended Chief Michael Ade-Ojo for his sustained investment in the education sector, describing the founder's contribution as evidence of a commitment to national development. He also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past Pro-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Olufemi Bamiro, and previous councils to the growth and credibility of the university. The council's efforts aim to position Elizade University for greater global competitiveness.
The inauguration of the fourth Governing Council marks a significant milestone for Elizade University. With a clear focus on self-reliance, academic expansion, and strategic partnerships, the institution is poised for growth and development. The council's success will depend on its ability to balance financial sustainability with academic excellence and innovative ideas.
Key points
- Elizade University aims to commence its MBBS programme in the 2026/2027 academic session.
- The university's new council will focus on achieving financial self-reliance and strengthening institutional partnerships.
- The institution has grown from 13 programmes to 35 fully accredited academic programmes since its inception.
