By Stephen Adeleye
The Vice Chancellor of Salem University, Lokoja, Prof. Alewo Akubo, has urged governments to complement efforts of private universities in terms of infrastructure development as well as tax reduction.
Akubo, who made the call in a pre‑convocation news conference on Tuesday, emphasised that private universities required deliberate government backing to thrive.
He highlighted the institution’s remarkable achievements and charted a bold course for the future ahead of the university’s Seventh Convocation Ceremony.
He noted that Salem University prided itself on high‑quality human resources and capital development, maintained regular and uninterrupted academic sessions, and ensuring students graduated on schedule.
He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to sustaining and improving its achievements for the benefit of the people, the state, and Nigeria at large.
He disclosed that the institution’s seventh convocation, would produce 168 graduates, comprising four First class, 93 Second Class Upper 31 Second Lower, eight Third Class, and other Postgraduates.
He commended the media for its continuous support and partnership in projecting the image of the institution, and urged it to sustain and improve the collaboration.
He disclosed that key Kogi government officials—including Gov. Ahmed Ododo, the Secretary to Kogi Government and several commissioners—are currently enrolled in or have graduated from Salem university, underscoring the trust placed in the institution.
He noted that the institution has secured approval to begin the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, positioning it as a rising hub for medical training in North‑Central Nigeria.
Full approval and commencement of Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and Ph.D. programmes in Biochemistry, Mass Communication, Law, International Relations, and more, attracting candidates nationwide and abroad.
He said the university is set to introduce Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Architectural and Environmental Science programmes to broaden innovation and research opportunities.
Akubo declared that Salem university aims to become a world‑class institution known for cutting‑edge research, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
He emphasised strengthening international collaborations and establishing centers of excellence that would redefine higher education in Africa.
He appealed to the Kogi government to invest in the university and in health‑care initiatives, citing recent approval of a N300,000 special fund for medical doctors as a step in the right direction.
He thanked Ododo for his continued goodwill, and for creating enabling environment in terms of adequate security for the institution.
Akubo commended the founding Chancellor, Dr Sam Amaga, describing him as a “living legend” whose “unwavering integrity, boundless compassion, and extraordinary sacrifice” turned a dream into a thriving citadel of learning.
He noted that Salem university graduates—dubbed “Change Agents”—had been praised for their integrity, competence, good morals and leadership potential across sectors such as public administration, media, business, technology, and education. NAN
