We’re on Course to Be Nigeria’s No. 1 University by 2027, Says Caleb VC Prof. Olalekan Asikhia

Caleb University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, has unveiled his 100-day scorecard, declaring that the institution is on track to rank among Nigeria’s top five universities and become number one by the 2026/2027 academic session. His report highlighted reforms such as the Caleb Academic Potential Scheme, a revamped results management system, merit-based scholarships, and partnerships with industry. Other milestones include biometric attendance systems, an employability fair, entrepreneurial training, and plans for a Lekki campus. The university also launched new centres of excellence, strengthened international collaborations, and embedded climate action initiatives, all aimed at driving academic excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness.

The Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Lagos State, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, has declared that the institution is on course to rank among Nigeria’s top five universities and become the nation’s number one by the 2026/2027 academic session.

A statement by the institution’s Information, Media and Publication Specialist, Olawale Adekoya, disclosed that Asikhia made the declaration while presenting his 100-day scorecard during the university’s 2025/2026 colloquium, outlining reforms and programmes he described as a foundation for global competitiveness.

It would be recalled that, upon assumption as VC on June 1, Asikhia anchored his report on a seven-point agenda focusing on academic excellence, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, governance, financial sustainability, and climate action.

The statement read, “He declared that the university is firmly on course to rank among Nigeria’s top five universities and become the nation’s number one by 2026/2027.

“Among the early milestones, he highlighted the launch of the Caleb Academic Potential Scheme to support students with low grades, a revamped results management system to address transcript delays, and the forthcoming merit-based scholarship examination.”

The VC was also quoted as revelling in the growing acceptability of Caleb University, as, in the 2025 admissions, over 2,500 new students enrolled, with Computer Science, Mass Communication, and International Relations recording the highest numbers.

The statement also read, “Our first 100 days have laid a strong foundation for excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness. We remain focused on building a world-class university that produces graduates who will shape the future.”

Other highlights of his first 100 days listed include “a new student chapel leadership structure, biometric attendance systems in classrooms and hostels, partnerships with the Nigerian Foundries Group, an Employability Fair that drew nearly 900 students and 100 firms, and the restructuring of the JUPEB Directorate.”

Asikhia was quoted as stating that plans are underway for a new Lekki campus and a pre-degree programme to expand access and revenue.

“Students are also being trained in practical entrepreneurial skills, including fashion design, film production and graphics, while the university’s Open and Distance Learning Centre has undergone mock accreditation ahead of NUC approval,” the statement.

Furthermore, the statement announced that the institution is set for a new three-year strategic plan aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as an improved salary structure for staff to take effect from October.

This is because the VC inaugurated the Centre for Sustainability and Environmental Safety and disclosed plans for a Green Governance Council to embed climate action in campus operations.

He also highlighted the creation of centres of excellence such as the Centre for Grants and Endowments, Centre for Global Engagement, Centre for Data Analytics & Simulations, and the Centre for Research and Product Development, which have already secured international linkages with Sakarya University in Turkey and Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK.