The University of Offa, Kwara State, has commenced strategic academic partnerships with both local and international institutions to strengthen academic delivery and enhance global competitiveness.
Arewa PUNCH gathered that the partnership was extended to the New Horizon, a United States-based IT firm, and the High Stone University, also in the United States, plus the International University of Malaysia.
While opening up further on the partnership, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Kazeem Alagbe Gbolagade disclosed that the partnerships were aimed at exposing students to global best practices, improving teaching quality, and positioning the university as a hub for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
Our correspondent reports that the University of Off held its fourth matriculation ceremony on Friday, where 351 students were formally admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session.
At the ceremony, Gbolagade explained that over 400 candidates applied for admission into the university, but only 351 were offered admission after a rigorous and merit-based selection process in line with the institution’s academic standard.
Describing the ceremony as historic, the Vice-Chancellor noted that it was the first matriculation exercise conducted under his leadership since assuming office on September 15, 2025.
He further unveiled a five-point development agenda designed to reposition the university for sustainable growth and international relevance.
The agenda, he said, focuses on financial sustainability, deployment of an IT-driven paperless system, improved staff and student welfare, provision of a conducive learning environment, and the promotion of policy-driven research with strong industry linkages.
“Our vision is to build a university that is not only academically sound but also innovative, entrepreneurial, and globally connected,” Gbolagade said.
The Vice-Chancellor warned the newly admitted students to take their academic pursuits seriously, stressing that any student who records a Cumulative Grade Point Average below 1.0 at the end of an academic session would automatically lose his or her studentship.
He also reiterated the institution’s zero tolerance for misconduct, cautioning against cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, violence, and other acts capable of disrupting academic activities.
Gbolagade further assured students of opportunities available within the institution, including work-study programmes, entrepreneurship training, ICT skills development, student exchange programmes, access to foreign scholarships, and possible start-up grants upon graduation.
Earlier, the founder of the University, Alhaji Dr Abdulrazaq Oyewale, urged the students to remain focused and disciplined in their academic pursuit, advising them to take full advantage of the institution’s learning facilities.
He reminded them of the sacrifices made by their parents and guardians to secure their education and charged them to justify the investment through hard work, good conduct, and academic excellence.
