The Vice-Chancellor of Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, has announced that the institution has secured a full operating licence from the National Universities Commission following an assessment of its provisional licence, which was granted in 2023.
Akinyemi said the university, licensed on June 5, 2023, commenced operations with 17 approved degree programmes and 33 students but has since expanded its academic offerings to 34 programmes.
He added that student enrolment rose to 208 in the 2024/2025 academic session and 276 in 2025/2026, with the institution’s current student population exceeding 500.
The vice-chancellor disclosed this at a press conference held at the university, describing the development as a significant milestone in its growth since it commenced academic activities in the 2023/2024 session.
According to Akinyemi, the NUC conducted an assessment visit to the university from March 15 to 18, 2026, to evaluate its teaching and learning, research, financial management, governance, administration and overall institutional performance.
He said the outcome, communicated in October 2026, marked an important stage in the university’s development and reaffirmed its commitment to meeting regulatory requirements.
Akinyemi said, “We have made considerable progress in a relatively short period. Our most significant recent milestone is the transition from a provisional licence to a full licence following the National Universities Commission’s assessment of the university.
“This development represents an important stage in our institutional growth and affirms our commitment to the standards expected of a Nigerian university.
“This press conference is therefore not merely an account of activities undertaken. It is an opportunity to communicate where we stand, what we have achieved, the work currently in progress and the direction in which we intend to move.”
He added, “Student enrolment increased to 208 in the 2024/2025 academic session and 276 in the 2025/2026 session. Our current student population has grown to over 500. We anticipate welcoming close to 500 new students in the next academic session, which is expected to commence towards the end of October 2026.
“Our academic offerings have equally expanded from 17 to 34 approved programmes. This growth demonstrates our determination to provide a wider range of educational opportunities while maintaining the standards required for responsible institutional development.”
He, however, stressed that the achievement would not make the institution complacent, adding that it must continue to demonstrate excellence in teaching, research, innovation and administration.
Akinyemi attributed the university’s growth to the confidence of students and parents, as well as the contributions of its founder, governing bodies, management and staff.
He said the institution remained committed to expanding access to university education without compromising academic standards.
“Our focus remains on building a university that is academically sound, administratively effective, financially responsible and responsive to the changing needs of society,” he said.
On academic development, the vice-chancellor highlighted the university’s four certifications model, designed to equip students with academic knowledge, professional competence, information and communication technology skills, and entrepreneurial capabilities.
He explained that the model was intended to prepare graduates not only for employment but also for innovation, enterprise and contributions to society.
The university, he added, had secured approval from the Council of Legal Education for its Law programme and was preparing 13 programmes for accreditation.
Akinyemi also disclosed that the institution commenced its Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board and pre-degree programmes in the 2025/2026 academic session to provide additional pathways for prospective students.
He said the university had introduced a tuition rebate for eligible students studying agriculture, subject to applicable terms and conditions, to encourage agricultural education and contribute to food security.
The vice-chancellor further identified the university’s operational Centre for Entrepreneurship as a platform for developing business skills and helping students translate academic knowledge into practical ideas and viable enterprises.
On infrastructure, Akinyemi said the university had completed its library and cafeteria, while new hostel facilities were under development to accommodate its growing student population.
He said the existing student hostel had a capacity of 1,000, adding that staff quarters were nearing completion.
The institution was also revamping its laboratories, including those serving science, engineering and other practical disciplines, while improvements to its Mass Communication studios and English Language laboratory were ongoing.
“These projects reflect our understanding that infrastructure development must be continuous. As student numbers increase and academic programmes expand, our facilities must respond to emerging needs and remain suitable for the demands of contemporary higher education,” he said.
On partnerships, Akinyemi said the university had established international collaborations with organisations and institutions in Malaysia, China, Pakistan and the United States.
He listed its international partners as the International Cultural Communication Centre, Malaysia; Shenzhou University, China; NED University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan; and I Believe Global, United States.
Within Nigeria, he said the university maintained partnerships with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, the Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, New Horizons ICT Resource Centre and Jobberman Nigeria.
According to him, the partnerships were expected to strengthen research, technological development, agricultural advancement, professional training and students’ readiness for the workplace.
He also highlighted the institution’s community development initiatives, including training and empowerment programmes for poultry farmers, the sale of fresh meat and fish at subsidised rates, inter-school debates, gender sensitisation programmes and mentoring activities.
Akinyemi said the university’s relationship with its host community was central to its mission, stressing that higher institutions should contribute to the social and economic development of their immediate environments.
“A university should not exist in isolation from its environment,” he said, adding that the institution would continue to pursue mutually beneficial relationships with residents and other stakeholders.
The vice-chancellor also disclosed that the university conducted leadership training twice a year to improve management effectiveness and strengthen staff capacity.
He said the institution was committed to promoting research, publications, professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration as part of efforts to improve its academic standing.
