Boluwatife Adedokun
In a move to revolutionize higher education, Fountain University, Osogbo, invests ₦1.04 billion in infrastructure development.
This bold step was announced by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim in a press conference for the university’s 14th convocation ceremony, which celebrated the graduation of 345 students.
In her address, Professor Karim emphasized that the infrastructure development was designed not only to accommodate the growing student population but also to provide top-tier facilities that promote academic success, personal growth, and a holistic student experience.
“Our mission is to provide an environment that empowers our students to excel academically and personally, offering the resources and support necessary for success,” she said.
Modernizing Accommodation: A Focus on Student Well-Being
A core aspect of the overhaul is the construction of a new 30-room female hostel to meet the increasing demand for on-campus housing.
This modern hostel is part of the university’s broader vision of creating a safe, secure, and conducive environment for students to focus on their studies.
Professor Karim stressed the significance of quality student accommodation in fostering an effective learning atmosphere.
“This new facility will alleviate the pressure on our existing housing, offering female students a peaceful and supportive environment to thrive both academically and personally,” she explained.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that providing quality accommodation was integral to ensuring that students’ basic needs are met, enabling them to concentrate fully on their education.
State-of-the-Art Learning Facilities
In addition to the new hostel, the university is also building a cutting-edge 500-seater lecture hall, designed to accommodate the growing number of students while enhancing the teaching and learning experience. Equipped with advanced multimedia technology, the lecture hall will facilitate interactive learning and encourage collaboration between students and instructors. This space will also be used for workshops, seminars, and group discussions, fostering a more dynamic educational approach.
Moreover, the university is introducing a 300-computer Computer-Based Testing (CBT) center, which will streamline examination processes. This new facility is aimed at improving the efficiency, security, and accuracy of assessments, in line with global educational standards.
Empowering Future Leaders
During her address, Professor Karim also revealed plans to establish a Centre for Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, which will offer practical training in areas like business development and technology.
“Our goal is to prepare students for the future, not just academically but also professionally. The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition will help them turn their ideas into businesses, becoming leaders in their respective fields,” the Vice-Chancellor said. This initiative is expected to foster entrepreneurial thinking and practical skills among students, preparing them for the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy.
In line with its forward-thinking approach, Fountain University is also expanding its academic offerings to include new degree programs in emerging fields such as Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering. These specialized programs are designed to meet the growing demand for tech-savvy professionals who can thrive in the digital age.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the university recently donated a motorized borehole to the Oke Baale Police Station in Osogbo. This gesture will provide the police and surrounding communities with reliable access to clean water, addressing a crucial need in the area.
“We believe that education goes beyond the classroom. Our community initiatives, like the borehole project, are part of our broader commitment to social responsibility. We want to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around us,” Professor Karim stated.
Academic Excellence and Celebrating Success
The VC also noted that the 14th convocation ceremony also marked the achievement of 16 First Class honors, setting a new standard of excellence for the institution.
“These graduates are a reflection of the high academic standards we uphold at Fountain University,” Professor Karim remarked, praising the remarkable accomplishments of the students.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the achievements of the university’s valedictorian, Sulaiman Mariam Eniola, who was awarded a fully-funded fellowship to attend the prestigious 2024 TAU Global Conference in Washington, DC.
