The Vice Chancellor of Salem University, Lokoja, Prof Alewo Johnson Akubo, has reiterated that the core vision of the institution is to nurture and raise students who will be global leaders and spiritually alive, intellectually alert and socially responsible.
The Vice Chancellor made this disclosure over the weekend during the 7th Convocation ceremony of the university which was established by Archbishop Sam Amaga of the Foundation Faith church.
Prof Akubo who stressed that the university has drastically been transformed within the short span of its existence praised the unwavering commitment of the Founder for its doggedness and foresight in making the institution one of the best in sub Sahara Africa.
“Archbishop Sam Amaga unshakable faith, divine insight, selfless service, and extraordinary spiritual influence have kept making his vision here clearer daily as he kept showing that he is inspired, motivated, driven and used by God to be a pillar of support, a torch of guidance, and a beacon of love to all we represent and do here.
“As a private establishment where all developmental initiatives are done from funds sourced internally, without government support, every progress here means a lot to us, and worth keeping on records.
“The university has made remarkable progress in infrastructural development. We have initiated the state-of-the-art buildings for Anatomy and Physiology Departments under the newly established College of Basic Medical Sciences.
“This college now houses the Departments of Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Human Anatomy, and Physiology — all equipped with modern laboratories and learning facilities that meet global standards.
“Because of our absolute zero tolerance for academic corruption in whatever guise, the implication is that graduates of these colleges in time to come can go beyond proving their worth to ensuring that the lives entrusted into their clinical and medical care will be safe and safeguarded.
“In other areas, there have been the upgrade of existing facilities; fixing and changing of classroom/lecture wares to make them fitting and befitting. A clean and comfortable learning environment conduces to quality exchange of knowledge, we are well aware.
“I am delighted to announce that Salem University has recorded significant success in accreditation exercises. We recently received approval to commence the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme —a landmark achievement that positions our university as a rising medical training hub in North-Central Nigeria.
“This approval and communication means so much to us because of its multiplier effects, knowing that to have a college of medicine will have direct benefits to the host community, the state and Nigeria at large; and to reiterate my earlier point: it goes a long way to ensuring that the lives entrusted into the clinical and medical care of our future global leaders in the medical field will be safe and safeguarded” he added
The VC also stated that the university has been given full accreditation by National Universities Commission to commence postgraduate studies in some accredited disciplines.
He also said the university was equally making steady progress towards introducing Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Architectural and Environmental Science programmes saying these disciplines will open new frontiers for innovation, research, and community impact, in line with our mission to produce well-rounded graduates for the global marketplace.
While commending the 172 graduating students, he urged them to uphold the values of truth, hard work, and godliness instilled in them and let their conduct bring honour to their alma mater.
Honorary doctorate degrees were awarded to two outstanding Nigerians: Justice Stephen Adah and Chief James Ogwu Onoja, SAN, for their exceptional contributions to justice, leadership, and humanity.
