From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Lateef Oladimeji, has urged Nigerian professors, to uphold the integrity of the academic profession by resisting attempts by politicians to manipulate election outcomes.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Oladimeji said, academics appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should regard election assignments as a national service that requires honesty, courage and an unwavering commitment to justice.
He noted that INEC continues to appoint professors and vice-chancellors because of the confidence Nigerians have in the academic community as a body of disciplined and principled professionals.
“The umpire of elections in Nigeria must have studied the various groups in the country and concluded that academics are among those who should be regarded as incorruptible. That is why professors and vice-chancellors have continued to play important roles in election management,” he said.
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The Vice-Chancellor commended academics who have handled electoral responsibilities with integrity over the years, saying their contributions have strengthened public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He, however, acknowledged that a few professors had compromised their integrity during previous elections, stressing that such individuals do not represent the values and ethics of the academic profession.
“There were a few of our colleagues who compromised, and that is quite unfortunate. They are not representing the real academics or the quality expected of them,” he said.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Oladimeji urged academics who may be engaged by INEC to remain impartial and reject every form of inducement capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
“My charge to professors is that whoever is invited should discharge that duty with the highest level of commitment. They should not compromise in any way. We must always do the right thing,” he added.
Reflecting on his first year in office as the sixth Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Oladimeji described his administration as “so far, so fair,” attributing the institution’s achievements to divine grace and the collective efforts of staff and students.
He said his experience as a foundation staff member and former pioneer Head of the Department of Islamic Studies, Director of Academic Planning, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Registrar had equipped him with a deep understanding of the university’s needs and aspirations.
According to him, his “Stress-Free Mantra” policy has begun yielding positive results, with the institution recording its highest student enrolment since its establishment.
He disclosed that the university admitted more than 2,000 undergraduate students during the last admission exercise, while postgraduate enrolment exceeded 2,700. He added that over 1,000 students also gained admission into the university’s sandwich programme, attributing the growth to deliberate efforts to widen access without compromising academic standards.
Oladimeji further revealed that all 23 undergraduate programmes and five postgraduate programmes presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for accreditation secured full accreditation.
He described the achievement as a major milestone, noting that accreditation remains essential to sustaining quality assurance and public confidence in university education.
The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the university had received approval from the NUC to commence Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes, a development he said would enable workers and other prospective students to earn university degrees without leaving their jobs.
He maintained that the initiative would broaden access to higher education and provide greater opportunities for Nigerians regardless of their location.
On the institution’s guiding philosophy, Oladimeji said Al-Hikmah University, remains committed to producing graduates distinguished by academic excellence and sound moral character.
He explained that the university’s motto, “Learning for Wisdom and Morality,” underscores its commitment to discipline, ethical conduct and responsible citizenship, adding that both staff and students are expected to uphold these values.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university’s impact now extends beyond Nigeria, citing encounters with alumni occupying strategic positions in countries such as Canada and The Gambia.
He added that the institution continues to earn recognition for producing graduates making meaningful contributions across various sectors, while its Centre for Community Development regularly carries out outreach programmes across Kwara State to promote public health awareness and community development.
Speaking on the Kwara State Government’s vision of positioning the state as an innovation hub, Oladimeji disclosed that Al-Hikmah University is collaborating with the government through strategic engagements and partnerships.
He said the university had held several meetings with relevant government officials and recently hosted a seminar attended by commissioners in furtherance of the state’s innovation agenda.
“There is a collaborative effort ongoing. Our university has been holding meetings with the officers concerned at the Kwara State level. Recently, we hosted a seminar attended by several commissioners. It is in line with the state’s innovation hub initiative because we believe in synergy with organisations whose programmes align with our philosophy and vision,” he said.
Oladimeji added that entrepreneurship remains a major focus of his administration through the AbdulRahim Oladimeji Centre for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Services, where every undergraduate, regardless of discipline, receives practical entrepreneurial training.
He explained that the programme is designed to produce graduates who become employers of labour rather than job seekers, adding that students are assisted to register businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission before graduation and equipped with the necessary structures to launch their enterprises immediately after leaving the university.
