Vice chancellor of Salem University Lokoja, Prof. Joseph Fuwape, spoke with Sunday Oguntola on efforts to raise global leaders and peculiarity of the institution. Excerpts:
What are the major visions propelling Salem University?
The major forces propelling success in Salem University which are succinctly encapsulated in the vision, statement of mission, philosophy and core values of the University include: passion for excellence and godliness.
There is the motivation to engage in World Class research that would proffer solutions to local and world problems. The drive to deliver quality integrated university education and entrepreneurial skill that would meet 21st century industrial needs.
We have the divine mandate to produce graduates who will be spiritually alive and mentally alert to serve as change agents in their generation.
What should prospective student look forward to in Salem University?
A prospective student should expect the superb, serene environment that Salem University provides. The university has a serene environment, good accommodation, and 21st century compliant lecture and library facilities.
All our degree programmes are fully accredited by the National University Commission (NUC). We have well trained professors and highly motivated and friendly staff who serve as mentors to the students. We also have chaplaincy and Guidance/Counseling units that provide necessary spiritual and counseling services.
How expensive is Salem University?
Salem university tuition is highly affordable. The tuition is just N450, 000 while accommodation is N110, 000. When compared with other private universities our charges are very low.
What are the feedbacks from some of your graduates?
There are positive feedbacks from our graduates, majority of them have distinguished themselves in the world of work through their competence, hard work and good character. For example, Mr. Noble Elekwa who completed his first degree in Computer science in Salem (and M Sc. Scotland) now works with British Telecommunication, UK; Miss Atinuke works for MTN Praise Yohanna Bako and thirteen other products of our University who were employed as Graduate Assistants were granted full scholarship for post-graduate training in renowned universities. We also have good reports on our alumni (Change Agents) that are employed by Federal and State government institutions.
Coming from a public university background, what is the difference here compared with where you used to be?
Salem University has some advantages over the public universities in the following perspectives:
SU like any typical private university has a manageable size of students and staff population; all the students are accommodated on the university campus thereby making it easy to co-ordinate and monitor the activities of students, mould their character and prepare them leadership through TLTC programme.
There is a higher level of commitment to duty by staff in the university which contributes to high job performance output. The university provides amicable platform for interaction between staff and students devoid of unionism and violent agitations which are serious barriers to administration in public universities.
There is high discipline among the Global leaders through strict adherence to tripartite agreement between the university, parents and students. Due to the manageable student population, SU has high staff to students ratio, thus the staff knows the students more closely thereby facilitating close interaction between staff and students.
There is also the advantage of close interaction between university management and the representatives of Global parents’ forum. Parents and guardians have direct access to principal officers and staff of the university in seeking information and exchange of views.
The finances for infrastructures are judiciously managed by members of Board of Trustees (BOT) thus university management is not saddled with challenges of awarding contracts or monitoring contractors. Recruitment of staff is based on need and well defined principles that conform to the vision of the university.
There is reduction in bureaucracy due to manageable size of staff members who are dedicated to duty. Planning and implementation of policies are not cumbersome due to absence of disruption from unions.
The uninterrupted academic calendar also enhances planning and development by both staff and students. It makes it easy for students to know when they would graduate while staff members can plan for their vacation and research engagements.
How about issue of restrictions? How free are the students here?
Our Global Leaders (students) are not restricted, they have freedom to comport themselves in conformity with university regulations. They have freedom to learn, engage in sporting activities and socialize.
Everyone has freedom to do what is right but there is no freedom for poor conduct or infraction against the vision of Salem University. There is zero tolerance for indiscipline.
Are there support schemes for indigent students?
Yes there are support schemes for assisting indigent students. The schemes include: Full scholarship scheme provided by Archbishop Sam Amaga Foundation for orphans; partial scholarship for sons of prophets and full post graduate scholarship for outstanding alumni (Change Agents) to pursue MSc. and PhD degree in renowned universities.
