New University Project Set to Transform Professional Education in Nigeria
New University Project Set to Transform Professional Education in Nigeria
By Jerry Adesewo
IGBAJO-IJESHA, OSUN STATE — Africa’s first professor of cybersecurity and information technology management, Professor Ademola Ojo Emmanuel, has taken a decisive step toward reshaping Nigeria’s higher education landscape with his recent inspection of the proposed site for the University of Professional Studies in Igbajo-Ijesha, Osun State.
The visit drew the attention of community stakeholders and symbolised the beginning of an education-focused initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world professional skills.
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A Vision Rooted in Personal History
For Professor Ademola, who grew up just a few kilometres away, the moment was profoundly symbolic. “This isn’t just another university project. This is personal. This is home,” he said, reflecting on his humble beginnings studying under kerosene lamps in rural Osun State.
Now internationally recognised with five Google Knowledge Panels across fields such as journalism, theology, technology, cybersecurity and management, Professor Ademola’s return to Igbajo carries the weight of both accomplishment and commitment.
Transforming Education with Innovation and Integrity
The proposed University of Professional Studies has received provisional approval from the Nigerian government and will focus on professional disciplines such as cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and technology management.
“Our goal is to offer programmes that don’t just issue certificates but prepare graduates for real challenges in the digital age,” Professor Ademola explained. “We’re partnering with top organisations like Google and Interswitch to design a curriculum that matters.”
He further emphasised that merit would be the foundation of the university’s admissions process. “No nepotism. No shortcuts. If you don’t pass the selection exam, you don’t get in—not even if you’re a big man’s son.”
Faith, Community and Partnership
Accompanying Professor Ademola during the inspection was His Eminent Bishop Professor Dapo Asaju, Bishop of the Ilesa Anglican Diocese, who anointed the land and offered prayers for the project.
“This university will be a lighthouse,” said Bishop Asaju. “A place where students learn to code, analyse, and build, but also uphold human dignity and ethical values.”
Community members also expressed optimism. Mama Risi, a local food vendor, noted how the university could change lives. “Now my son wants to be ‘cybersecurity.’ I don’t know what that is, but he won’t need to go to Lagos anymore.”
A Boost for Local Economy and Development
In addition to educational impact, the university is expected to stimulate the local economy, generate employment opportunities, and provide access to global-standard education in a region that has long been underserved.
Construction is expected to commence following the fulfilment of infrastructure requirements, and Professor Ademola has appealed to stakeholders and philanthropic partners to support the realisation of the vision.
“We once built our first computer lab under a mango tree,” he said. “This is just a bigger tree. With faith and collective effort, we’ll build something remarkable.”
A Legacy in the Making
As the sun set over Igbajo, Professor Ademola stood contemplatively on the site, eyes on the horizon where lecture halls will one day rise.
“When I’m gone,” he said, “don’t write ‘Professor’ on my tombstone. Write: ‘That boy from Igbajo who believed.’”
Bishop Asaju, standing beside him, replied softly, “Amen.”
With that, a new era of professional education in Nigeria was quietly but firmly ushered in.
New University Project Set to Transform Professional Education in Nigeria