My Contribution as Vice-Chancellor

My Journey at Summit University, Offa

On the 1st of April 2022, I stepped into a new chapter of service as I assumed office as the second substantive Vice-Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, (SUN, Offa) in Kwara State, Nigeria. It was a moment that carried both honour and responsibility, as I took the helm of one of Nigeria’s promising privately-owned universities with a clear sense of purpose and a deep commitment to its future.

From the very beginning, I knew that the story of SUN, Offa over the coming years would be shaped by innovation, courage, and transformation. My vision was simple yet profound: to build a university that develops innovations and inventions capable of changing the way we live in our communities, defend our nations, and work across Africa. This guiding aspiration continues to define every strategic step we take.

To bring this vision to life, we anchored our work on a set of cardinal principles that reflect the heart of our mission.

• First, we embraced flexibility. At SUN, Offa, we are creating learning pathways that respond to the realities of today’s learners—self-paced learning, self-learning systems, and more accommodating fee structures. Our goal is to ensure that education fits into the lives of our students, not the other way around.
• We also committed to openness, driven by the belief that quality higher education should never be the privilege of a few. By reducing barriers and widening access, we are helping many individuals—who might otherwise be denied the opportunity—step confidently into academia and skill development.
• At the centre of everything we do is our dedication to learner-centredness. We strive to ensure that every student feels supported, valued, and equipped. From creating a conducive learning environment to providing essential resources, our focus remains firmly on the learner.
• We have also prioritised cost-effectiveness, ensuring that the programmes and facilities we develop make wise use of resources without compromising quality. This approach allows us to deliver excellence while remaining financially accessible.
• Another pillar of our journey is collaboration and partnership. SUN, Offa actively works with national, regional, and international partners across academia and industry. Through these collaborations, we expand opportunities for research, skill development, materials design, exchange programmes, and learner support.
• In addition, we are deeply committed to promoting lifelong learning. Education, for us, does not end with a degree. By leveraging cost-effective ICT tools and modern teaching approaches, we are building systems that allow people to continue learning at any age, at any time.
• Finally, we are shaping SUN, Offa to stand out through differentiation. Our model emphasises experiential education, ensuring that students learn not only in the classroom but also through real, hands-on engagements with a diverse range of external partners.

Looking back, the journey that began in April 2022 has been one of purpose, transformation, and steady progress. Looking ahead, the path is even more exciting. Together—with our students, staff, partners, and community—we are building a university that does more than award degrees. We are shaping innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders poised to redefine Africa’s future.