By Neta Nwosu

• VC highlights a decade of impact, innovation, and global outlook

As Augustine University, Ilara-Epe (AUI), celebrates its 10th anniversary, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, has spotlighted the remarkable growth and achievements of the Catholic institution over the past decade. In an exclusive interview with The Catholic Herald, Prof. Odetunde reflected on the strides made in academic excellence, infrastructure, digital transformation, and holistic student development.

“From inception, we envisioned a university that not only imparts knowledge but nurtures the soul. Today, our students are morally grounded, spiritually enriched, and academically sound,” he said. Established with just 52 students at its first matriculation, AUI has grown into a vibrant academic community of over 1,000 students, now spread across four faculties, including a postgraduate programme in Computer Science. “We have received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for all our programmes,” the VC proudly noted. He highlighted key infrastructure that has shaped the university’s identity and capacity.

The University has earned full accreditation for all its programmes from the National Universities Commission and is now home to landmark structures like the Lady Doja Otedola Faculty of Engineering and the Chapel of Mary Mother of the Church. The nearly completed Faculty of Law signals further academic expansion. Beyond academics, Augustine University places a premium on equipping graduates with the skills and values needed for global relevance and national transformation. “Our programmes are designed to be rigorous and pragmatic,” said Prof. Odetunde. “We combine theoretical grounding with practical experiences through entrepreneurship training, IT skills, and compulsory industrial work placements. At the same time, we focus on moral and spiritual formation, leadership mentoring, and chaplaincy support.”

In the face of rapid digital change, the University is positioning itself as a hub for innovation. “We’ve rolled out smart classrooms, a digital library system, and ICT-enabled teaching,” he explained. Plans are underway to establish a digital innovation hub and acquire smart boards in partnership with WOBII. “We’re also enhancing international collaborations for student exchange, virtual learning, and joint research,” the VC added. As Augustine University looks to the future, Prof. Odetunde reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to becoming a globally competitive, morally rooted, and research-driven centre of excellence, true to its founding Catholic identity.