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

1

...

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.

2

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

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-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

4

.......

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)