New City University poised for excellence, says Akinfeleye
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, has said the university is committed to building a culture of academic excellence, global relevance,
- Varsity holds maiden matriculation
- By Temitope Adejuwon,
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, has said the university is committed to building a culture of academic excellence, global relevance, and pedagogical innovation that would make it distinct in the nation.
He spoke at the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony on its campus in Ayetoro,Ogun State.
The matriculation culminated in the commencement of full academic activities, after it was granted operational licence by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Akinfeleye stated that the institution was poised to increase its admission capacity while maintaining quality standards.
The don said plans were underway to expand its student population to about 6,000 and introduce new academic programmes, including Engineering and Medicine, as part of its long-term vision to become a centre of excellence in university education.
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“The expansion plan was designed to broaden access to tertiary education and produce graduates capable of competing globally,” he said.
According to him, academic activities commenced with five approved faculties. He said preparations were in top gear to establish a Faculty of Law, as well as programmes in Chemical Engineering to support the nation’s oil and gas sector.
Recalling that the institution’s establishment dated back to 2019, Akinfeleye said the promoters conceived the idea of creating a university that would provide enduring educational value and contribute meaningfully to nation building and development.
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“The promoters initially considered setting up an institute of communication, a monotechnic, or a polytechnic, but later resolved to pursue a full-fledged university, following consultations and submission of a letter of intent to the NUC in 2021,” the don said.
The pro-chancellor said the process resulted in the granting of a provisional licence in April 2025 after what he described as rigorous regulatory scrutiny and extensive documentation.
He said the institution had adopted a flexible tuition payment plan. This, he added, would ease the financial burden on parents, as fees would be paid in instalments across the academic session.
Addressing the matriculating students, Akinfeleye urged them to demonstrate loyalty, discipline and commitment to their studies. He described them as ambassadors of the institution whose conduct would shape its reputation in the years ahead.
He assured parents that the institution is determined to provide a conducive learning ambience that would boost students’ academic pursuits.
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Akinfeleye hailed government agencies and regulators for providing a conducive environment for the establishment of new universities, noting that the support of the chancellor, vice chancellor, and other stakeholders was crucial in laying the foundation for the university’s take-off.
The visitor and founder, Hon. Akin Akingbesote, pledged that students with high Cumulative Grade Point Average and who graduate with a first class, and those who qualify as chartered accountants, would have their tuition fees refunded in line with the institution’s vision of rewarding academic excellence.
He noted that there would be continuous training and capacity development would be for academic staff and others to achieve global standards.
Akingbesote advised matriculating students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and strive to be job creators.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Olagunju, said the establishment of the institution was inspired by the need to complement existing universities and introduce innovative approaches to teaching, research and community engagement.
According to him, the university assembled qualified academic staff and provided adequate infrastructure to ensure a conducive learning environment that would promote critical thinking, research, and leadership development among students.
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The don said the institution commenced academic programmes in Communication and Media Studies, Basic Medical and Allied Sciences, Computing and Sciences, as well as Social and Management Sciences, while the Faculty of Law is expected to take off in the 2026/2027 academic session.
He admonished the students to remain focused on their academic pursuits and uphold the institution’s core values of excellence, integrity, diligence and responsibility.
He added that university education should shape their character and prepare them for ethical leadership.
Olagunju warned against examination malpractice, cultism, violence and other vice, stressing that the university would enforce strict disciplinary measures to maintain high academic and moral standards.
A director at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in charge of the Ogun State Office, Alhaji Abdurahim Ahmed noted that the board has fully automated admission processes, noting that the era of offering admission outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) had long gone.
He said any admission conducted without CAPS approval is illegal and urged the institution to ensure strict compliance with JAMB regulations in admitting students.
