By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja (Federal University Lokoja), Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, has reaffirmed his resolve to reposition the institution through far-reaching infrastructural upgrades, strengthened student welfare systems, and full accreditation of academic programmes.
Prof. Ibileye made the remarks on Sunday in Lokoja during celebrations marking his 60th birthday anniversary and the public presentation of his book at the K-Galaxy Event Centre.
Speaking emotionally on attaining the milestone age, the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to God for sustaining his life and granting him the privilege of leadership in the academic sector.
“I feel happy and grateful to God Almighty for His grace upon my life, for preserving me and giving me the opportunity to serve humanity,” he said, describing his appointment as Vice-Chancellor as both an honour and a responsibility that demands impact.
He said his administration had deliberately prioritized the transformation of the university environment, stressing that no meaningful academic excellence could thrive without adequate infrastructure.
A major focus of his agenda, he disclosed, is the rehabilitation of the dilapidated access road leading to the university, which he described as a long-standing challenge affecting mobility and campus development.
Prof. Ibileye revealed that work on the road project was already at an advanced stage, expressing optimism that tangible progress would be recorded in the coming weeks.
He also highlighted student accommodation as a key priority, noting that efforts were ongoing to expand and improve hostel facilities in response to rising enrolment.
On academic quality assurance, the Vice-Chancellor said the university was intensifying efforts to secure full accreditation for all programmes under the National Universities Commission (National Universities Commission).
He added that the administration was targeting 100 per cent accreditation, especially for professional courses such as Law, Engineering, Medical Laboratory Science, and Pharmacy, emphasizing that achieving this goal would require sustained investment and institutional commitment.
Addressing concerns over insecurity and recurring road accidents involving students along the highway corridor, Prof. Ibileye said the university was working closely with the Kogi State Government to develop lasting solutions.
He disclosed plans for the construction of an alternative internal road linking the university’s main gate to the Agbaja axis, designed to divert traffic away from the highway and enhance safety within the campus community.
According to him, the initiative would significantly reduce students’ exposure to accidents and improve overall security across the institution.
Reiterating his leadership philosophy, the Vice-Chancellor said integrity, humility, and transparency would continue to guide his administration, insisting that public office must never alter personal values.
“Leadership must be deliverable, transparent, honest, godly and committed to justice. I entered office as Gbenga Ibileye and I intend to leave office as Gbenga Ibileye,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Sarafadeen Abdulraheem, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his 60th birthday and commended his development-focused leadership style, urging members of the university community to support his reform agenda.
Alhaji Abdulraheem, who is also Chairman of Deen Group of Companies, described the VC’s vision as timely and essential for the continued growth of the institution.