in the beginning - caleb university · in the beginning... how caleb university started the dream...
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In the Beginning...How Caleb University Started
The dream of establishing theproposed Caleb University (as itwas then referred to) startedeffectively in 2003 when a groupof patriotic colleagues in concertwith Prince Ola Adebogunformally applied to the NationalUniversities Commission (NUC)for a University operationallicence.
Following this, a consultant wascommissioned to produce a draftAcademic Brief. Otherconsultants were equallycommissioned to produce therequired NUC documents vis-University Law and Master Planwhile the group moved withpassion and vigour to secure theland for the universitypermanent site at Imota LocalGovernment Area of Ikorodudivision in Lagos State.
-InAugust 2004, the group,whichincluded: Prince Ola Adebogun,Dr. Teju Bolujoko, Prof. IdowuSobowale, Prof. Fola Tayo, Mr.Kaoli Olusanya, Prince BolaTaiwo, Dr. J. Adeyinka, PastorEzekiel Adeleye and Dr. S.A.Adekoya was invited by NUC foran interactive session based onthe first draft of the AcademicBrief that was submitted.
Following comments and
observations made by NUC onthe submitted draft AcademicBrief, it was agreed to set up anAcademic Brief PlanningCommittee with Prof. N.D.Adedipe as the Chairman.
On November 19, 2004, Mr.Abimbola Olulesi, the CalebOrganisation Co-Ordinator ofthe university project deliveredthe relevant documents,including the invitation of Prof.Adedipe to chair an AcademicBrief Planning Committee.
After a close study and given therecent trends in NUCexpectations of a privateUniversity, Prof. Adedipesuggested that an AcademicBrief Planning Summit beorganised for January 3-8, 2005at the Centre for ManagementDevelopment, Shangisha, Ikeja,Lagos.The group represented byPrince Adebogun accepted thissuggestion, after which thesummit participants wereconstituted and invited.
ACADEMIC BRIEF PLANNING
SUMMIT (JAN 3 8,2005)This summit, a product of theadministrative savvy of Prof.Adedipe, was a significant
Prince Ola AdebogunChancellor
landmark in the processesleading to the granting ofoperational licence. to CalebUniversity.The summit was organised withthe task of producing a realisticAcademic Brief (Vol. 1),Curriculum Outline (Vol. 2) andDraft University Law towardmaster planning processes and-activities. The major goal of thesummit was to make the
proposed Caleb University atruly sustainable centre ofexcellence in its wideramifications.SUMMIT MEMBERSHIPThe following were members ofthe summit who attended the 5-
continued on page 2
How Caleb University Started (continuedfromfront page)
day planning meeting:-Prof. N.O. Adedipe U./.,Chairman, Prof. Fola LasisiO.A.U, Prof. GM. Babatunde
LA UTECH, Prof. T.O. TayoUNAAB, Prof. Kun/e Wahab
Presidency, Prof. S.A/~Ba/ogun UN/LAG, late Prof.F.A. Egberongbe UN/LAG,Prof. O/ade/e Osibanjo U./.,Prof. M.K.C. Sridhar U.I.,Prof.A. T. Hassan U./., Prof. S.B.Agbo/a U./., Prof. T./. RajiLAUTECH, Prof. O. Akinto/a-
Bello OOU, Prof. O. O/usanyaUN/LAG, Prof. O.B. Oyewo/eUNAAB, Prof. O. Akin/ade
UNAAB, Prof. J.A. AdeneyeU./, Prof. A. Bamiduro U./.,Prof. GO. Jagboro OAU, Dr.F.A. Ba/ogun U.I., Dr. G NubiUN/LAG, Dr. A.R. O/opoeniaU./., Dr. A.O. Togun U./, Mrs.E.S. O/arinde U./", Dr. R.O.
O/adoyin U./., Dr. (Mrs.) A.Sa/ami U./., Dr. (Mrs.) Bo/aO/aniyan U.I., Dr. O. ShopejuUNAAB, Dr. 5.0. Otubusin
UNAAB, Dr.J.A. OguntuaseUNAAB, Dr. 0.5. OyediranUN/LAG and Mr. Abimbo/a
O/u/esi Co-ordinator, CalebUniversity Project.The summit started with an
opening session plenary, themajorhighlightbeinganopeningspeech presented by Dr. TejuBolujoko on behalf of thepromoters of the proposedCaleb University. This wasfollowed by a keynote addressby the SummitChairman,Prof.N.O.Adedipe after whichcomments were taken from
summit members notably Prof.
Kunle Wahab, Prof. TO. Tayo,Prof. O. Osibanjo and Dr.G.Nubiwho all opined that the
promoters should be focused in
their pursuit of establishing a
world class private university.The working session
commenced from January 4 - 5with the review of the first draft of
the Academic Brief after which
the summit constituted break-
out college panels which worked
into the early hours of the
morning of January 8, 2005.Six panels were constituted asfollows:-A. COLLEGE OF SOCIALAND MANAGEMENT
SCIENCE (COSOMAS) Prof.Seni Akintola-Bello (Convener),Dr. R.Olopoenia, Dr.O. Shopeju
B. COLLEGE OF PUREAND APPLIEDSCIENCES (COPAS)Prof. O. Osibanjo(Convener), Prof. ATHassan, Prof.O.Akinlade, Prof. A.Bamiduro, Dr. A.O.Tog un, 0 r. S'. 0 .Otubusin, Dr. F.A.Balogun, Dr. J.A.Oguntuase, Dr. Mrs. ASalami, Dr. R.O.Oladoyin
C. C 0 L LEG E 0 FENGINEERING ANDTECHNOLOGY(COLENTEC) Prof.Fola Lasisi (Convener),Prof.S.A Balogun,Prof.T.t. Raji, Prof. O.B.Oyewole
D. C 0 L LEG E 0 FENVIRONMENTALSCIENCES ANDMANAGEMENT(COLE
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Prof. N. o. (Nimbe) AdedipePro-Chancellor
NSMA) Prof. KunleWahab (Convener),Prof. . M.K.C. Sridhar,Prof. F. Egberongbe,Prof. S.B.Agbola, Prof.G.O. Jagboro, Prof. O.Olusanya, Dr. I.G. Nubi,Dr.O.S. Oyediran
E. GENERAL STUDIESANDENTREPRENEURALDEVELOPMENTPROGRAMME
(GESENDEP) Prof.TO.Tayo (Convener), Dr.R.O. Olopoenia, Dr. O.Shopeju, Dr. (Mrs.) A.Salami, Dr. (Mrs.) BolaOlaniyan
F. COM MER C I A LAGRICULTUREPROJECTS ANDENTERPRISES
(COMAPENT) Prof.G.M. Babatunde(Convener), Prof. J.AAdeneye, Dr. S.O.Otubusin, Dr. R.O.Togun, Dr. (Mrs.) BolaOlaniyan
At the planning, it was confirmedthat over 100 hectares of landhad been secured at Imota forthe proposed university. Thesummit recommended that thenew Caleb College site beselected as the temporary (take-off) Campus ofthe university
and a take-off plan should be
prepared immediately. At the
end of the summit, the following
were finalised Draft Academic
Brief (Vol. 1), Draft Curriculum
(Vol.2) and University Law.
PLANNING AND
IMPLEMENTATION
COMMITTEE
The Planning and
Implementation Committee
(PIC) was set up after the draft
documents were submitted at
NUC with the major objective of
liaisingwith NUC and meeting all
the requirements of NUC for
granting approval licence.
Membership of the PIC include
Prof. Oladele Osibanjo
(Chairman), Mr. Abimbola
Olulesi (Secretary), Prof. Fola
Prof. T.O.TAYOVice- Chancellor
Lasisi, Prof. Seni Akintola-Bello,
Prof. Kunle Wahab, Prince Ola
Adebogun (Proprietor), Dr.
J.S.T.Bolujoko (Promoter), Prof.
Olusola Oyewole, Prof.
S.B. Agbola, Prof. T.O. Tayo,
Prince Bola Taiwo, Dr. (Mrs.)
A.B. Olaniyan, Mrs. M. F.
Egunleti, Mrs. M.O. Oresanya,
Dr. (Mrs.) E.C. Matthews-Njoku,
Dr. Bola Oyefolu and Mrs. S.
Olarinde.
The PIC successfully hosted the
NUC Standing Committee on
Private Universities (SCOPU)
when SCOPU carried out a
verification visit to the proposed
Caleb University from November
21-24, 2005. The PIC also
prepared adequately for the
second verification visit of
SCOPU which took place from
May 14-17, 2006.
As a result of the excellent work
of the PIC, the Federal
Prince Bola TaiwoRegistrar
Government on May 17, 2007
gave provisional operational
licence for Caleb to operate as a
private university.
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CALEB UNIVERSITY
STRATEGIC ACTUALIZATION
COMMITTEE
With the granting of operational
licence, a Caleb University
Strategic Actualisation Committee
(CUSAC) was constituted with Prof.
Nimbe Adedipe as the Chairman
and Mr. Abimbola Olulesi as the
Secretary. Members Were: Dr. (MrS)
Moni Taiwo, Dr. R. O.Togun, Dr.
J.A.Adeyinka, Dr.( Mrs.) C.lgeleke,
Prince Bola Taiwo, Prof. O.
Osibanjo, Prof G M. Babatunde,
Hon. Dorcas Odujirin-Junaid, Prof.
Olusola Oyewole, Dr. (Mrs) A.
Salami, Prof Seni Akintola-Bello
and Mr.KayodeAdekunle.
CUSAC was saddled with fine
tuning details for the smooth take-
off of the University. Through series
of meetings, CUSAC was able to
meet the set objectives with the
appointment of the pioneer vice-
chancellor and registrar on October
1, 2007 and the eventual take-off of
the University with 140 pioneer
students and about 30 pioneer staff
on January 7, 2008.
Caleb Dedicates Permanent Site
r I
t.~. "
, !
The Proprietor, Prince Ola Adebogun (third right) in a group photograph. With him are (from left)Mr. Olusoga Badejo, Secretaty. Board of Trustees (BOT), Prof. 7:0. Tayo, Vice-Chancellor,
Prince Bola Taiwo, Registrar and Prof. S.O. Ajayi, Dean, COPAS.
Prince Ola Adebogun, the Proprietor and his wife,Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adebogun at the Dedication Service.
From Left -Mr AbimbolaOlulesi, SAR(C & PAl,Prince Bola Taiwo,Registrar,Prof. T.O. Tayo, VC,andProf. S.D. Ajayiat the DedicationService.
A cross section of participants at the Dedication Service ofCaleb University permanent site, Imota, after Ikorodu, Lagos..
Management Visits Ranodu of Imota, othersThe Management of Caleb University recently paid courtesy visits to the Ranodu of Imota, the Chairman of Imota Local
Council Development Area (LCDA), and the Divisional Police Officer for Imota. Below are photographs of the visit.
/~ ,\
The Ranodu of Imota, HRM Dba Ajibade Agoro I, (third left) in a group photograph at his palace with themanagement team of Caleb University led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. T. O. Tayo (third right).
HRM, Dba Ajibade Agoro I with the Vice-Chancellor,Prof. Tayo during the courtesy visit.
The Registrar, Prince Bola Taiwopresenting a gift to Kabiyesi,
the Ranodu of Imota.
3The VC, Prof. Tayo (2nd right) and other members of the University
Management Team during the courtesy visitto the Imota Police DPO,
ChiefSuperintendentofPolice,Mr.DavidJ.Edem(2ndlell)
COLENSMA EX.HIBITIONThe College of Environmental Sciences and Management (COLENSMA) recently held its first exhibition
organised by students from the Department of Architecture. The one-day event was declared open by theVice-Chancellor, Prof. T.O. Tayo. who commended the students and their lecturers for putting
up a breath-taking exhibition.
Miss Chigozie Okoye-Oti (Dept. OfArchitecture, first right)
explaining her archictectural design to the VC, Prof. Tayo(middle)
while Prof. S.O. Ajayi. Dean, COPAS, (1st left) looks on in admiration,
Miss Omotola Grace Barbington (Dept. OfArchitecture. left) highlighting the features of herarchitectural design to the VC. Prof. Tayo (right)
Mr. O/aseniOluwagbengaMartins (Deptof Architecture,
right}poinfing out interesting aspects of his design to the
VG, Prof. Tayo (middte}white Prof. Ajay; watches with keen interest.
Mr. Adekunle Solomon Babamboni (Dept. OfArchitecture, right), making his presentation
to the VC, Prof. Tayo(middle). and Prof. Ajayi(left) during the COLENSMA Exhibition.
Pix of Permanent Site- -,
\L.::;; ='
'.1'~,- 1
" I
~I..t;;
-The Main Gate of the University
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...
Spacious and conducive classroomequipped with decent fumiture
Walkway within the main administrativeand academic building
- - - "'--
: , ,
,r
--Front view of the main administrative and academic buildingFully equipped multi-purpose auditorium
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IMOTA - A wonderful experience - CULStudentsRecently, Caleb UniversityNewsletter sought the views of students on theirexperiences since the movement of the Universityto its
permanent site at Imota, among other issues. Below are excerpts of the Interview conducted by the Editor,MR.ABIMBOLAOLULESI.
TAWAK, LAIDEAZIZAT200 LEVEL,BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION, COSOMAS
1. WHY CALEB? I cannot give any
specific reason although I was the one that
chose Caleb knowing fully well that it was a
Christian University despite the fact that I
am a muslim. Since coming to Caleb, I so
much appreciate the lecturers who are
sociable, loving and caring. I see them as
my fathers and mothers.2. IMPRESSION OF THE
PERMANENT SITE: My first impression on
getting to Imota was that of joy and
excitement. I was delighted with the facilities
on campus. The hostels are spacious and
the environment makes me feel very proud of
Caleb University. I specially love the fact that
the University is located far away from the
hustle and bustle of city life which greatly
helps me to focus and concentrate on my
academic studies.
3. COMPARISON OF
PERMANENT SITE WITH TAKE-OFF SITE:
Unlike at the take-off Site where there were
three separate buildings for female hostel, I
like the fact that we are all in one location and
also all in one hostel. I give thanks to the
management of Caleb University. I pray that
God will bless all their efforts to give the
students a world class education.
4. FAVOURITE PHILOSOPHY OF
LIFE: My favourite philosophy of life is "just
be yourselr which guides me to shun all
hypocritical behavior and pretence.
...
1. WHYCALEB? I was admitted for
accounting at Lagos State University where I
spent just three months. But when I learnt
about Caleb University, especially the fact
that it is a Christian university and has a very
high moral standard, my parents registered
me immediately for Caleb. Since Ijoined the
University, I have seen improvements in my
lifestyle, dressing and academics. For
example, when I was at LASU, I was not
doing well in my studies, but at Caleb, I am
doing very well because the lecturers make
you work very hard before you can have a
good result.
2. IMPRESSION OF THE
PERMANENT SITE: From the facilities
already in place at the permanent site, I
foresee a very good University considering
the concept and design of the University
structures.
3. COMPARISON WITH TAKE-OFF SITE: I
prefer the permanent site in so many ways to
the Take-Off Campus. For instance, the
Permanent Site is very spacious and the
walking distance from the Halls of Residence
to the lecture rooms helps me to keep in
shape. I enjoy the cool breeze of the
permanent site and the buildings are very
large both the hostels and the lecture halls. I
also enjoy strolling around the campus in the
evenings and early on Saturday momings
which I consider a very wonderful
experience. I just love the permanent site. I
wish to thank the School Management for the
good work they are doing and they should
please keep up the good work.
4. FAVOURITE PHILOSOPHY OF
LIFE: My favourite philosophy of life is
AD~BIYI, KEHINDETEMITOPE300 LEVELACCOUNTING AND
FINANCE,COSOMAS
"when we get there, we shall cross the
bridge" which assures me that for every
challenge or problem, in life, there is a
solution.
-w
ANGIAMA, JOSEPH TERRY100 LEVELCOMPUTER
SCIENCE,COPAS
1. WHY CALEB? I chose Caleb
University because it has a conducive
environment for learning and it has as its
core value the enhancement of Godly values
in the students. I also believe that I will
become a better citizen of Nigeria in future by
studying at Caleb University.
~ ~PRES~ONOFPERMANENT
SITE: The permanent site is very okay and
the environment is very conducive for
learning. Also, we are well supported by both
the lecturers and management to perform at
our very best.
5
3. COMPARISON OF
PERMANENT SITE WITH TAKE-Off
CAMPUS: Rooms at the PS are more
spacious than at the Take-off site. Also, the
PS gives the impression that one is in a
university environment unlike at the Take-Off
Campus.
4. FAVOURITE PHILOSOPHY OF
LIFE: My favourite philosophy of life is that
the best in me is yet to be unleashed until I
give it a chance to manifest.
AKINGBILE BAYONLESTANLEY 200 LEVELACCOUNTING, COSOMAS
1. WHY CALEB? Myfather chose the University for
me. I already had an OND (Ordinary
Diploma) in accounting from the Polytechnic
at Ado-Ekiti and my father wanted me to
have a university degree in addition to my
OND certificate.
2. IMPRESSIONOFPERMANENT
SITE (PS) I was very much impressed with
the facilities at the PS. I give the University
management thumbs up for relocating the
University to the permanent site. They have
really tried and deserve the appreciation and
commendation of all students.
3. COMPARISON OF
PERMANENT SITE WITH TAKE-OFF
SITE: The permanent site is a wonderful
experience compared to the take-off
campus. The hostels are very conducive,
spacious and secure. The permanent site
environment due to its peculiar location is
very conducive for academics, sports and
recreation. I can say with all confidence that
Caleb is a University to be reckoned with.
God bless the University management.
4. FAVORITE PHILOSOPHY OF
LIFE: My favourite philosophy of life goes like
this, .we pass through tough times so that we
can be tough and be able to get to the top".
1. WHY CALEB? I chose
Caleb University because of the
religious values of the University
coupled with the sound moral standard
as well as her record of academic
excellence.
2. IMPRESSION OF THE
PERMANENT SITE: The facilities are
spacious and there is room for future
development.
3. COMPARISON OF
PERMANENT SITE WITH TAKE-OFF
SITE: The serene location of the university
at Imota is a big plus for the permanent site
which has a very low noise level compared to
the take-off campus which is in an urbanized
location which is associated with noise and
environmental pollution.
4. FAVOURITE PHILOSOPHY OF
LIFE: My favourite philosophy of life is the
love of God is sufficient for me which helps
me to always wonder atthe majesty of God.
AGBENLA, ELIZABETH
OLUWAPELUMI 100 LEVEL,
ARCHITECTURE, COLENSMA
"
J-AYA, IFEOMA VICTORIA200 LEVEL ECONOMICS,
COSOMAS
location in Rivers State. This triggered my
interest in the University. I also got to know
about Caleb International College which
had a very good moral and academic
reputation. I then thought to myself that if
they could do well at the Secondary level,
then they could equally do well at the
University level.
2. IMPRESSIONOF PERMANENT
SITE: One area I am particularly happy with
is the fact that the hostels are spacious and I
am very certain that the University has a very
brightfuture.
3. COMPARISON OF
PERMANENT SITE WITH TAKE-Off
CAMPUS: The permanent site is a lot better
6
than the take-off site. Facilities like lecture
halls are yery spacious. I also like the fact
that there is a cafeteria in my hostel which
was not the case at the take-off campus. I
congratulate the University management for
actualizing the movement to the permanent
site and request that they keep up the good
work.
4. FAVOURITE PHILOSOPHY OF
LIFE: My favourite philosophy of life is that
nothing is impossible if you believe in God
and inyourself.
FORTHE RECORDS
V.C'S ADDRESS AT THE 3RD MATRICULATIONCEREMONYEXCERPTSOF THE ADDRESS OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AT THE
UNIVERSITY'S THIRD MATRICULATION CEREMONY
Prof. T.O.TAYOVice- Chancellor
-
Exactly 23 months ago, February 28,2008, I was privileged to address thepioneer students of the University atthe take-off site in Magodo, Lagos onthe occasion of the maiden
matriculation ceremony. My addresson that auspicious occasion wastitled "The Commencement of theCaleb Phenomenon".
By the special grace of GodAlmighty, we are gathered here thismorning at the permanent site toadmit the third set of students into
the nominal roll of the University atan occasion titled A New
Beginning.
A new beginning in a new settingaway from the hurly-burly ofcosmopolitan Lagos city: in a sereneand rural setting that is eco-friendlyand at tune with Mother Nature.
Today, 285 students are beingadmitted into the University Registerout of the over 600 who were offered
admission. Our matriculants todayconsist of 172 male and 113 female
i
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A NEW BEGINNING
students. Of these, 48 are in theCollege of Environmental Sciencesand Management (COLENSMA)with two departments and threeprogrammes; 78 students in theCollege of Pure and AppliedSciences (COPAS) with fourdepartments and eleven degreeprogrammes; and 159 students inthe College of Social andManagement Sciences(COSOMAS) with four departmentsand five degree programmes. Thefirst sets of students were admittedinto the Mass Communication
programme this session. Allmatriculants have been certified as
possessing the requisite academicqualifications for the courses towhich they have been admitted.As a Christian University, our corevalues include: Godliness and
devotion to God-directed spirituallife; integrity, accountability,devotion to duty; obedience toconstituted authorities, shunning allforms of vices; and belief insustainable development throughhard work.We are convinced that the route to a
unique academic development ofthe total graduate lies in these corevalues. It is our focus to restore the
quality of instruction and moral tonethat the Nigerian University Systemwas noted for in the sixties andseventies.
The oath of allegiance and
obedience taken at this ceremonyshall be held sacrosanct. As a
Christian University, the spiritualand moral rectitude of our students
is of great priority to us. A full timeassistant Chaplain is now "inresidence and we shall not tolerate
any act of indiscipline in ourstudents.
It is my distinct privilege to use thisoccasion to thank the FoundingFathers, the Chancellor andProprietor, the Board of Trustees,the Governing Council, particularlythe Pro-Chancellor and Chairman,for the enormous resources
devoted to the development of theUniversity, particularly thepermanent site and theirunrelenting commitment to buildinga first rate University at Imota. MayGod Almighty continue to uphold allof them.To our fresh students who
matriculated today, I congratulateyou for achieving your dreams of aUniversity Education. It is ourfervent prayers that none of youshall depart these portals withoutachieving your set goals. May thegood Lord bewith you and keepyouthrough your sojourn at CalebUniversity and may your academicefforts be crowned with unalloyedsuccess.
God bless you all.
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Chairman, Editorial Board - Prof. S. Ade Ojo (OON)Editor - Mr. Abimbola Olulesi (Senior Asst. Registrar; Council & Public Affairs)