Salem varsity unfolds transformational agenda

The Vice-Chancellor, Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State, Prof. Omojo Omaji, has restated the commitment of the institution to the academic transformation of the nation‘s university system with a view to making it produce highly skilled graduates.

Omaji, who said this during the orientation programme organised for the new students of the institution, said that university education should be reviewed to expose students to practical skills that would stand them in good stead in the global job market.

To achieve this, Omaji said the university has commenced what he called the Transformational Academics Revolution mandate to equip the institution‘s undergraduates with the skills needed to solve problems after graduation.

According to him, the revolution is a mission and it aims to take academics from just cramming to pass examination to the level of imparting knowledge and practical skills thus equipping students to become nation builders.

”It is also aimed at producing graduates who will combine intelligence with integrity; to produce graduates who are sound in spirit, mind and body thus creating wealth and making outstanding global impact,” he added.

Omaji also stated that the mandate was also focused on empowering students to be global leaders through the development of their individual natural abilities and the impartation of practical and creativity skills in them.

This, he noted, would also make room for creative learning and provide a cutting edge for them in research and thus help them to proffer solutions to specific human needs.

Omaji explained that it was for this reason that the university developed a teaching methodology that was not just teaching students what to do but how to practically do it to solve human problems and thus create wealth.

He said, ”Our plan is all about raising global leaders, who are change agents with royalty and prestige. Leaders, who will not settle for the average, but strive for excellence in the area of their calling. Leaders, who will not be saturated with complacency, but shall stir up compassion for change and positive results. Leaders who will not rationalize their disappointment, but will go ahead and realise their dreams.

”These leaders will not be governed by their mistakes and deepest regrets, but are on a mission to stand on their own by being governed by their finest thoughts, their greatest optimism, their highest enthusiasm and their experience, knowing that God will turn their mistakes to miracles .Leaders who will seek out for opportunity and create opportunity for others to excel.

Omaji added that the students of the institution would combine Christian family values and excellent work ethics, as they would be encouraged to become a generation of innovators and leaders in the on-going scientific revolution.

To achieve these laudable goals, the VC said that the institution has incorporated the Total Leadership Training Concept under the university‘s Chaplaincy into its curriculum.

The chaplaincy, he said , was established to articulate and coordinate seminars, workshops, motivational messages and spiritual guidance and counseling to nurture the character of the students.

Salem University took off in January 2009 for the 2008/2009 session after securing its operational licence from the Federal Government in 2008.

The university has hosted many international and national leadership lectures on entrepreneurship development with dons from the United States of America, Australia and Nigeria.