Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, one of the new private institutions recently approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), has constituted and inaugurated members of its Governing Council.
The Council is headed by an accomplished economist and former Minister of Industry, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, who will serve as its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman.
Other distinguished personalities who are members of the Council include former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Senator Adegbenga Kaka; former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi; immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Ganiyu Olatunde; Prof. Mojisola Ogungbe, Prof. Adebayo Ayeni, Engr. Olufemi Olukoya, Alhaji Ndababo Mohammed Alfa and Mr Olanrewaju Adesanya.
In his remarks at the inauguration of the Governing Council held over the weekend in Ago-Iwoye, the Founder and Chancellor of Aletheia University, Major-General Adebanjo Awosanya (retd), said the appointees were people of high reputation, impeccable character and great social standing.
Awosanya, who is equally the Baba Oba of Ago-Iwoye, noted that the Council members were drawn from both the private and public sectors to help grow the University to an enviable pinnacle.
He explained that the institution was established to train students to become employers and entrepreneurs who will make valuable and impactful contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.
He added, “Wisdom demands that we put men and women of timber and calibre at the helm of affairs so the promoters can achieve the lofty objectives of impacting humanity.
“Aletheia University will breed and produce candidates different in form and character from other universities, will prepare students for their present and future needs, will challenge its students to arouse their latent talents to create innovative minds.
“Aletheia University will teach and train its students to become employers and entrepreneurs rather than employees. It will journey into dreaded areas to bring the fortune for mankind, bearing in mind that all that are precious are hidden and not on the surface for the loafers.”
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Amos Onasanya, who also unveiled its five-year business plan, said the institution will be positioned to be world-class in line with the vision and mission of its founder.
“Our conduct of activities of the University shall be ethical, truthful and Godly. These qualities if inculcated into the daily lives of the youth shall help in building a better Nigeria. Our academic programmes shall be positioned towards applications of technology in nature including global research and development, especially in the area of computer and internet technologies for local, national and global impacts,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor, who disclosed that the University has 17 academic programmes in accordance with NUC regulation, said plans were already underway to admit the first set of students by October.
“We are admitting our first set of students by October 23; that’s our target now. But in the meantime, we are making preparations towards JAMB as well as the NUC to complete other processes for that resumption,” he said.
Apart from the Governing Council, the University also unveiled members of its Board of Trustees who included Prof. Saburi Adesanya, Mrs Adeola Simon, Mr Abiodun Awosanya, Mr Ade Oyebanji (SAN) and Mr Kola Abdul, who will serve as Secretary.