During a media engagement held at the university’s Council Chamber in Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Professor Asikhia explained that his vision for the institution centres on fostering “a godly environment for dream fulfilment” while advancing scholarship, innovation, and institutional growth. His agenda focuses on seven core pillars: academic excellence, research and innovation, global collaborations, institutional governance, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and value-driven mentorship.
He noted that his administration would prioritise research with real-world impact, promote innovation through technology adoption, and deepen partnerships between academia and industry. “We are encouraging students to register their companies while still on campus and start operating their businesses before graduation,” he said, adding that the goal is to produce self-reliant graduates who will become job creators rather than job seekers.
To achieve these objectives, Asikhia said Caleb University would intensify collaborations with local and international partners, bridging the gap between the ‘town and gown.’ He also announced plans to decentralise administrative services, encourage student-led chapel activities, and instil discipline through mentorship instead of compulsion.
On technology integration, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university would adopt Artificial Intelligence in its academic and administrative processes — but in a way that enhances, rather than replaces, critical thinking and creativity.
Professor Asikhia also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the university’s research profile. Lecturers are now required to publish at least four Scopus-indexed papers annually, a policy aimed at improving the institution’s global ranking. He revealed plans for a robust endowment and investment strategy to support financial sustainability and commercialise research outputs.
Supporting the VC’s vision, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, Strategy, and Administration), Professor Adetutu Ajayi, noted that Caleb University has made significant strides in scholarly output, with several research publications in high-impact journals and growing partnerships with universities in the United Kingdom and Turkey.
Caleb VC, Olayinka Asikhia, (3rd left) flanked by other members of the university’s management team. Photo: Johnson Idowu
Similarly, the DVC (Academics), Professor Sunday Adewale, emphasised that the institution prioritises solution-oriented research by ensuring that student projects incorporate insights from industry stakeholders.
Professor Asikhia concluded with a call for government support in funding quality research across private universities. He advocated for the inclusion of such institutions in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), noting that restricting funding to public universities undermines Nigeria’s collective intellectual potential.
“There are intelligent people in private universities, and not encouraging their research is a minus to the nation,” he said. “The nation is cheating itself by not tapping into the wealth of ideas within private institutions.”
Under Asikhia’s leadership, Caleb University appears set to deepen its commitment to transformative education — one that not only empowers students academically but also equips them to provide reflective, innovative solutions to the world’s evolving challenges.