Bells University Ota in Ogun State, the first private university of technology in Nigeria, has proposed to establish an international campus in the East African country of Kenya soon.
Former President of Nigeria and Chief promoter of the 20 – year – old private varsity, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who disclosed this, said that talks had begun with the Kenyan President, William Ruto, towards the actualisation of the plan.
The elder statesman made this known at the Palace of Olota of Ota during the institution’s anniversary visit to the Paramount ruler, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege. He was accompanied to the Olota’s Palace by the university management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Jeremiah Ojediran and other principal staff.
Also, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media Kehinde Akinyemi, on Thursday, Obasanjo hinted that during his visit to Kenya for the burial of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the weekend, he met President Ruto where the discussion started on a positive note.
”I met President Ruto at the weekend at the burial of Raila Odinga and he he was excited and accepted the proposal to have the campus of the Bells University in Kenya,” he stated.
The Paramount ruler eulogized the contribution of the former President for the development of the ancient, stressing, “the story of Ota is incomplete without the name of Obasanjo and these include this University that is celebrating 20 years of establishment.
“I am glad that it’s going outside the country and it is on this note that I want to challenge the University to look into establishing a University Teaching Hospital here in Ota,” Oba Obalanlege disclosed.
The 20th year anniversary commenced on Wednesday with the anniversary procession at the school hall where the Chief Promoter appreciated the board of trustees, staff, parents and guardians, students and policymakers for their steadfast in the last two decades, noting that “the citadel of learning is unique because the school curriculum emphasises self-reliance and entrepreneurial skills that produce job creators instead of job seekers.”
Obasanjo emphasized that the institution has gone beyond its immediate environment in terms of impact, outreach, and education advancement even as he urged the staff and board of trustees to continue to work for the successful running of the school.
In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor noted that the institution started like a dream “but materialised beyond its humble beginning into a centre of learning and research that inspires students and staff to embrace opportunities.”
Prof. Ojediran added that the institution started with 50 students and currently has over 4,000 students, explaining that it has sustained robust physical infrastructure ranging from lecture halls, laboratories, and a comprehensive library through the unwavering commitment and collective efforts of the staff, parents and partners.
In a welcome address, the chairperson of the anniversary procession, Prof Caroline Anyakora, said the university is dedicated to providing sustainable quality education that guarantees excellence in teaching and research through environmentally friendly technology and innovations that can positively impact human and societal wellbeing.
Prof Anyakora, who congratulated the VC and members of management for their unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the university, noted that the staff and board of trustees have created an environment where staff and students aspire through research, teachings, and professional techniques that have made the Chief Promoter proud.
