The government has been urged to deliberately support the efforts of private universities, especially in infrastructure development and tax reduction.
Alewo Akubo, vice chancellor, Salem University, Lokoja, made the call during a pre-convocation press briefing on Tuesday, stressing that private universities require intentional government backing to thrive.
He highlighted the institution’s remarkable achievements and outlined the vision for the future ahead of the university’s 7th convocation ceremony, noting that Salem University prides itself on high-quality human resources and capital development and has maintained regular, uninterrupted academic sessions, ensuring that students graduate as scheduled.
Akubo reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to sustaining and improving its achievements for the benefit of the people, the state, and Nigeria at large, as he disclosed that the university, in its 7th convocation, will graduate 168 students, comprising four First Class, 93 Second Class Upper, 31 Second Class Lower, 8 Third Class, and several postgraduate students.
He added that aggressive media and public-relations strategies have enhanced Salem University’s global profile as a centre of integrity and excellence, as he commended the media for its continuous support and partnership in projecting the institution’s image and urged journalists to sustain and strengthen the collaboration.
He revealed that key Kogi State government officials — including Governor Ahmed Ododo, the Secretary to the State Government, and several commissioners — are currently enrolled in or have graduated from Salem University, underscoring the level of trust in the institution, as he noted that the university has secured approval to commence the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programmes, positioning the university as a rising hub for medical training in North-Central Nigeria.
He pointed out that the institution has also received full approval to run Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s and Ph.D. programmes in Biochemistry, Mass Communication, Law, International Relations, and other fields, attracting candidates from across Nigeria and beyond, adding that the university is set to introduce programmes in Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Architecture and Environmental Science to broaden opportunities for innovation and research.
He declared that Salem University aims to become a world-class institution known for cutting-edge research, entrepreneurship and innovation, adding that the need to strengthen international collaboration and establish centres of excellence that will redefine higher education in Africa.
He appealed to the Kogi State Government to invest more in the university and in healthcare initiatives, noting the recent approval of a N300,000 special fund for medical doctors as a step in the right direction.
He commended Ododo for his continued goodwill and for creating an enabling environment, especially through adequate security for the institution.
Akubo also commended Sam Amaga, founding chancellor, describing him as a “living legend” whose “unwavering integrity, boundless compassion, and extraordinary sacrifice” have transformed a dream into a thriving citadel of learning.
The VC noted that Salem University graduates referred to as “change agents” have been recognised for their integrity, competence, moral character, and leadership potential across sectors such as public administration, media, business, technology, and education.
He contrasted these achievements with the decline in infrastructure and human resources in many primary and secondary.
