JALINGO — The Vice-Chancellor of Greenland University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Professor Ojo Sunday Isaac Fayomi, has called for a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Taraba State Council, to promote the institution’s programmes, activities and vision to a wider audience.
Professor Fayomi made the call when he led a delegation from the university on a courtesy visit to the NUJ Taraba State Council, where he said the institution was established to offer a unique model of higher education focused on producing job creators rather than job seekers.
The Vice-Chancellor said the purpose of the visit was primarily to introduce the university to the journalism community and seek the support of the NUJ in giving the institution greater visibility.
He said Greenland University had something unique to offer the world and urged journalists in the state to collaborate with the institution by reporting and projecting its academic activities, programmes and achievements.
According to him, the university currently has about 16 programmes available for admission, covering areas including Computer Science, Cyber Security, Accounting, Management and various Engineering disciplines.
Professor Fayomi disclosed that the university has commenced its admission process, with the academic session expected to commence between September and October.
He assured prospective students and parents that the institution had invested in modern facilities and digital infrastructure, including free internet access, standard accommodation, digital learning tools and a conducive, world-class academic environment.
He added that Greenland University would be women-inclusive, stressing that its tuition fees had been deliberately structured to remain moderate and affordable when compared with those of other private universities in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor further appealed to the NUJ to encourage its members and various media organisations in the state to maintain an open channel of communication with the university and give adequate publicity to its programmes and activities.
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ Taraba State Council, Matthew Eliud Jen, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and his delegation for the visit and assured the university of the council’s willingness to collaborate with the institution.
Jen encouraged Professor Fayomi to maintain an open-door policy with media organisations operating under the NUJ, noting that regular interaction between the university and journalists would promote effective dissemination of information about the institution.
He also called on members of the journalism community to support the university’s development and ensure that the public is adequately informed about its programmes and opportunities.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Mr. Gabriel, commended the initiative and expressed support for stronger relations between the university and the media.
The Chief Executive Officer of Taraba News and SUM TV, who also spoke at the meeting, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment and commended the university for establishing an institution with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and skills development.
He, however, advised the management to ensure that tuition remains moderate and accessible to students from different economic backgrounds.
He also suggested that politicians and other well-meaning individuals in Taraba should consider sponsoring students from less-privileged backgrounds to study at the institution.
The media executive further recommended resource-sharing arrangements between Greenland University and other universities in the state, particularly in the areas of human resources, academic expertise and lecturers, to strengthen collaboration and improve the quality of education across the state.
Pioneer Vice-Chancellor
Professor Ojo Sunday Isaac Fayomi is the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Greenland University, Jalingo.
He is currently the Dean of the College of Engineering and Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Unit in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria.
An internationally recognised scholar, Professor Fayomi specialises in Mechanical Metallurgy of Materials and Production Technology, with notable contributions to research and the development of new materials.
Born in Iyara, Kogi State, he obtained his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Metallurgical Engineering, with distinction (Cum Laude), from the Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Environmental and Natural Resource Management from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
Professor Fayomi has been involved in teaching and research since 2007 and has risen through the academic ranks to become a professor with international recognition. He has also served as a visiting scholar at several universities in Nigeria and abroad.
The management of Greenland University has expressed confidence in his ability to provide visionary leadership for the institution, strengthen academic excellence and drive institutional development.
The university said his mandate includes upholding the credibility of the Nigerian university system while advancing quality, access and integrity in higher education, in line with the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
With admissions currently open and academic activities scheduled to commence later this year, the university is positioning itself as a new centre for technology, entrepreneurship, innovation and professional education in Taraba State.
