Crescent University, Abeokuta, on Friday kickstarted activities marking its 20th anniversary with plans to launch a medical school and a renewed call on the Federal Government to extend TETFund support to private universities.
At a press briefing held in Abeokuta, the institution’s proprietor, Prince Mahruf Adesegun Ajibola (SAN), said the university’s two-decade journey has been defined by academic excellence, strong moral grounding, and consistent contributions to national development — in line with the founding vision of his late father, Prince Bola Ajibola, a former Attorney General of the Federation.
Ajibola emphasized that the anniversary was not merely a celebration of years but of achievements that have left lasting imprints on Nigeria’s educational landscape.
“Our graduates have not only excelled academically but have also stood out in character. Employers regularly commend the quality and integrity of Crescent University alumni,” he said.
He highlighted the accomplishments of alumni such as Rafiat Gawat, who earned first-class honours both at Crescent and at Robert Gordon University in Scotland, and Rafiat Ali, who bagged a distinction in Forensic Accounting at the University of Portsmouth, UK.
Ajibola also applauded the Bola Ajibola College of Law for its outstanding record, noting that several of its graduates have earned first-class honours at the Nigerian Law School.
He cited a recent milestone achieved by a 400-level law student who won a national essay competition ahead of participants from the University of Calabar and the University of Ilorin.
The university’s Mass Communication department, he said, has also produced alumni currently working with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), while others have carved successful paths as entrepreneurs and professionals in top companies globally.
As part of the celebration, Ajibola expressed appreciation to notable donors and partners who have contributed to the institution’s growth.
According to him,these include Sir Kensington Adebutu, who built the university’s main library; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who constructed two hostels in memory of his parents; and the late Dr. Remi Olowude, who funded the ICT building.
The proprietor particularly thanked the governments of Sokoto, Kano, Lagos, and Zamfara states for sponsoring students through scholarships, describing their support as critical to the institution’s development.
Reiterating his longstanding advocacy, Ajibola urged the Federal Government to include private universities in the TETFund scheme, stressing that institutions like Crescent University are equally involved in developing Nigeria’s human capital.
“TETFund support would go a long way in expanding our infrastructure and creating more access to quality education for Nigerian youths,” he stated.
Speaking on academic developments, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, disclosed that all university programmes currently enjoy full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He added that the Nursing Science programme has secured 100% professional accreditation and maintained a flawless record in national nursing and midwifery examinations.
Gbajabiamila further revealed that the university is preparing to launch new programmes in Cybersecurity and Software Engineering. More significantly, he announced plans to establish a medical school within the next two years.
However, he raised concerns over the rising cost of operations, especially electricity, which he said has become a major financial strain. According to him, the university’s monthly electricity bill has skyrocketed from below ₦1 million to ₦27 million, threatening the sustainability of its operations.
“We are not profit-driven institutions. The same electricity tariff imposed on multinational companies is now applied to us. This is unjust and unsustainable,” he said, calling for urgent tariff reviews for educational institutions.
He disclosed that the 20th-anniversary celebrations will include a public lecture, award presentations to distinguished alumni, and special recognition of individuals and organisations who have contributed to the university’s success over the past two decades.
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