From humble beginnings with just 52 students, Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, (AUI) Lagos, now boasts over 1,000 students and a rapidly expanding academic portfolio that includes four faculties and a postgraduate programme in Computer Science. In an interview with the Editor, NETA NWOSU, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, noted that AUI’s 10-year journey has been marked by significant achievements in academic excellence, infrastructure, faculty development, and moral formation. He speaks on AUI’s realisation of its founding mission and vision, challenges, and initiatives implemented to improve the institution among other contemporary issues. Excerpts:

Prof. Odetunde, Vice Chancellor, as Augustine University marks its 10th anniversary, what would you say have been the most significant achievements of the institution over the past decade?

Over the past decade, Augustine University has made remarkable strides in her progressive academic expansion, infrastructural development, staff advancement, and student formation. From an initial student population of just 52 at her first matriculation, AUI has grown to over 1,000 students. We’ve expanded our academic portfolio from two faculties to four and a Postgraduate programme in Computer Science. Additionally, Augustine University received full accreditation for all programmes presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC). The construction of signature buildings, the Lady Doja Otedola Faculty of Engineering, the almost completed Faculty of Law, and the iconic Chapel of Mary Mother of the Church has further positioned AUI as a rising force in Catholic higher education in Nigeria.

Looking back to when the University was founded, how far do you think the institution has come in fulfilling its founding vision and mission?

From the inception, many worked so hard to overcome the inertia of starting a University, hence, we have come a long way. Augustine University was envisioned as a faith-based institution that would provide holistic education that nurtures both the mind and the soul of her staff and students. Today, most of our students are not only academically sound but morally upright and spiritually grounded. Our alumni are excelling in postgraduate studies at institutions in Nigeria and abroad, and our internal policies consistently reflect our commitment to integrity, discipline, and service which are core to our founding mission.

What challenges has the University faced over the past ten years, and how were they overcome?

Any growth comes with challenges and so is AUI’s growth. Our institution’s challenges are not unique but they range from funding constraints to infrastructural limitations especially in her early years. Furthermore, Private University, of which AUI is one, do not participate in TETFUND, however, the Committee of Registrars and Vice Chancellors of Private Universities (CVCRPUN) are working to have corrective actions toward participation of CVCRPUN in TETFUND. Sustaining operations before AUI reached a viable student enrollment size was very daunting.

The Archdiocese of Lagos provided succour every now and then. With the advent of COVICD 19, funding almost dried up and management decided that for AUI to survive on the short run, it was necessary not to be dependent on subventions coming from the Archdiocese but instead we retooled especially in the area of increased student enrollment at least to reach a breakeven point. Secondly, management decided to embark on prudent financial management, seeking strategic partnerships, gaining experiences and advice from members of the University Council, investing excess liquidity and relying on the generous support of benefactors which included the surprising gesture from our Chancellor, Mr. Femi Otedola, CON.

Before the Chancellor’s gift to 750 AUI students, candidates hardly knew of Augustine University and even its remote location but for Mr. Otedola’s singular act, AUI became an exposed brand and we steadily overcame some of the challenges. The resilience of our staff, the support of the Church, and God’s grace have been instrumental during this arduous journey.

What initiatives have been implemented to improve academic standards, research output, and faculty development in the last ten years?

We have invested heavily in staff development. Within the last four years, many of our lecturers have either completed their Ph.D.s or are in the final stages. Management fought hard to establish Nursing Science programme but thank God their efforts paid off. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria approved a 100 student admission quota for AUI. The Management thanks the Proprietor, His Grace, Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, for his herculean efforts. Over the past four years leading up to the 10th anniversary, AUI appointed its first set of Professors and Associate Professors, thereby enriching Augustine University’s academic profile.

To boost research, we established the Directorate of Academic Planning, encouraged conference participation, supported and encouraged grant writing, established Journals in both Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences. We also prioritise internal quality assurance and curriculum review, aligning with global best practices. This year, Dr. Abiodun Adetokunbo, a lecturer in the Department of Economics at Augustine University, Epe, was awarded Private Enterprise Development in Low-Income Countries (PEDL) exploratory research grant worth GBP 5,000, following his participation in the 2025 PEDL (Private Enterprise Development in Low-Income Countries) Young Scholars Matchmaking Workshop held at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom.

Food Safety Research Group at Augustine University established collaborative working relationship with FIIRO, NAFDAC, and the Standards and Trade Development Facilities (STDF) on the project to develop Aflatoxin Surveillance and Early Warning for Nigeria and regional food safety system. An ICAN examination centre was established for students in the departments of Economics, Business Administration and Accounting to participate. Many of AUI students become ICAN certified long before they graduate.

How does Augustine University ensure its graduates are equipped to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to society?

Augustine University’s programs are designed to be both rigorous, relevant and pragmatic. We blend theoretical grounding with practical exposure, incorporating entrepreneurship training, IT skills, and mandatory SIWES (industrial work experience). Additionally, we nurture character development through moral education, leadership training, by management team members mentoring both the students and the staff and through active chaplaincy involvement. Our alumni in international postgraduate programmes are a testimony to our global competitiveness.

Are there plans to expand academic programmes or introduce new faculties in the coming years?

Yes, certainly. Plans are in the pipeline to introduce six more postgraduate programmes and expand into high-demand disciplines such as Public Health, Environmental Sciences, Law and Architecture. Plans are also underway to develop institutes for research that will encompass areas such as Artificial Intelligence, digital innovation, Computational Mathematics, Industrial Chemistry, ethics, Geophysics and climate studies. As a Catholic institution, how has the university integrated faith and moral values into its academic and social life? Faith and values are engrained and embedded in the daily rhythm of life at Augustine University.

Morning devotions, weekly Holy Mass, retreats, and pastoral counselling are part of student life. The chaplaincy plays a vital role in nurturing spiritual growth, and all students take courses in philosophy, religious studies, and ethics. Moral rectitude, modesty, and community spirit are key expectations for all members of our community. Additionally, AUI has a Counseling unit, though still in its developmental stage, that attends to the emotional, the psychological and the mental wellbeing of staff and students. The plan is to have at least two Counselors. As time goes on and more buildings are available for expansion, a dedicated floor that will house the student Affairs and the Counseling units needs will be provided.

In what ways has the University collaborated with the Catholic Church in Nigeria to shape ethical leadership among students?

Our relationship with the Catholic Church is foundational. The Archdiocese provides pastoral support, and some of our faculty and leadership are priests and religious. We participate in Archdiocesan events and initiatives and collaborate with Catholic institutions on leadership formation programmes. Students are encouraged to serve in Church-related outreaches, musical, and liturgical ministries, building habits of responsibility and service.

Can you give us an overview of the infrastructural developments that have taken place since inception?

We have academic blocks, well-equipped science and computer laboratories, media studios, a library, administrative buildings, medical facilities, and chaplaincy structures, the Lady Doja Otedola Faculty of Engineering, the Chapel of Mary Mother of the Church, and the new Faculty of Law building which is nearing completion. These stand as proofs of growth. We are currently constructing new male and female hostels to accommodate our growing student population. A multi-Purpose laboratory is in its final stage of being initiated.

As AUI grows, students and staff will need larger physical and e-library for reading and research. How has the University’s campus and environment evolved in the past ten years to support student life and learning? We’ve transformed the campus into a serene, secure, and conducive learning environment. In addition to lecture halls and labs, we’ve improved Wi-Fi connectivity, upgraded hostels, installed solar-powered street lights, and expanded recreational and sports facilities.

Student welfare and holistic development remain top priorities in our physical and policy planning. In my handover note to the Proprietor, I will be making a suggestion for a student centre where students can interact beyond just in sport fields but where they can have a holistic university experiences next to none. At the centre, students can have localised study areas with WiFi, discuss homework solutions among themselves, buy data, textbooks, a sort of railing point for complete University experience.

What role has Augustine University played in the development of Ilara-Epe and its host communities?

We have contributed significantly through employment opportunities, infrastructural development, support for local businesses, free use of AUI library and access to the AUI health facilities. Many Ilara-Epe residents are staff members or vendors. AUI collaborates with the community through security information sharing. Our presence in the community has also spurred improvements in security, transportation, and communication networks. We have also engaged the community through school visits, and cultural collaborations. Finally, AUI is trying to make Ilara-Epe a true University town.

What is your vision for Augustine University in the next ten years?

We envision Augustine University becoming a top-ranking Catholic university in Africa, a centre for academic excellence, innovation hub, an Engineering department that provides practical engineering solutions to Nigeria and Africa needs and a moral leader that stands tall above other institutions. We aim to expand our academic offerings, enhance international collaborations, become research- intensive, and develop our postgraduate school into a leading hub for critical inquiry and problemsolving where Nobel Prize winners in Science, Arts and Social Sciences will emerge. We also hope to become self-sustaining through university-run enterprises, grantsmanship and scalable research funding.

How is the University positioning itself for innovation, digital transformation, and global competitiveness?

We’ve introduced smart classrooms, digital library systems, and ICT-enhanced teaching. Plans are underway to establish a digital innovation hub. Along providing easy access to lecture notes and interactive learning, management is working with WOBII to purchase smart board for our student and faculty members’ use. Our curriculum incorporates digital literacy and we’re exploring international partnerships for student exchange, virtual learning, and collaborative research. Our staff are being upskilled in educational technology to keep pace with global trends.

What efforts have been made to enhance student welfare, extracurricular activities, and campus life?

We’ve built more hostels, expanded health services, upgraded dining and recreational facilities, and increased spiritual and counselling support. At one time, the Visioner volunteered to build a squash court to add to the sports activities of our students and for healthy competition among AUI and other University students. Unfortunately, the price for building sky-rocketed. AUI still hopes that a squash court will be donated by a willing donor. But, extracurricular life is vibrant as our students participate in debate clubs, student government, liturgical music, and sports. We also hold town hall meetings to listen in order to have a holistic academic and social contribution from our students.

How is the University addressing issues of student mental health, security, and career guidance?

AUI has a dedicated Councilor Unit that our students regularly visit to discuss personal issues. We also have a 24-hour University Clinic, and chaplaincy support for emotional and spiritual upliftment and a CCTV all around the campus. Our security team works closely with local law enforcement and ensures round-the-clock patrol of the campus. Career guidance is provided through mentoring, SIWES, interaction of our students with research active faculty members and AUI established planned partnerships with industry professionals and alumni networks.

What message do you have for staff, students, alumni, and the Catholic community as Augustine University celebrates this milestone?

I thank staff for their sacrifice, dedication, and belief in the Augustine University brand and vision. For those of you who work with this administration and even for those of you that work against it, your efforts, one way or the other, made us work harder to get to where we are today. I am indebted to the Visioner, His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie; the Proprietor, His Grace Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins; Chairman BOT, Sir Steve Omojafor; the Pro-Chancellor, Chief Gilbert T. Grant; and the Chancellor, Femi Otedola, CON for giving me the opportunity to serve and to lead this noble institution.

I am most grateful to the students that chose to come to AUI, stuck to their guns even when they seems sometimes discouraged and ended up finishing the race. But this celebration is not just about the past 10 years; it’s about what is possible when people of faith and purpose come together to build a legacy. Let us continue to work as a united family to ensure this University flourishes for generations to come.

Finally, what legacy do you hope this 10th anniversary will inspire for the next generation of Augustinians?

As my 5-year tenure draws closer, I hope this anniversary inspires courage, excellence and service. I pray that our students and alumni carry AUI’s flame of honour, the values of faith, truth, and integrity. May they see in this institution not only where they acquired knowledge, where they are taught how to think outside of the box but as a place that provided avenues necessary to transform their society with wisdom, compassion, and strength.

May our alumni freely give back to their Alma Mata as AUI benefactors provided in supporting them throughout their academic sojourn in AUI and may God continue to bless Augustine University, the pride of the Archdiocese of Lagos.