The Vice-Chancellor, Thomas Adewumi University, Kwara State, Prof Francisca Oladipo, said the university is offering a First Degree in Physiotherapy, making it one of the only three universities in Nigeria to offer this advanced program.
Speaking during a Zoom press conference, Oladipo explained that TAU was the only private university in Kwara State offering medical programs and had a full operational license from the National Universities Commission to run a Faculty of Nursing.
“We are one of only three universities in Nigeria offering the Doctorate in Physiotherapy (DPT). We have already received full operational approval from the NUC.”
Oladipo revealed that she was headhunted for the role of Vice-Chancellor and that the founder’s vision for the university was deeply rooted in providing employment opportunities in addition to offering quality education.
“The founder’s sincerity in establishing this university, not only to provide education but also to create jobs, stood out to me,” she said.
Since her appointment, she revealed that the university had faced the challenge of operating without external funding from agencies like Tetfund.
To avoid placing a financial burden on the founder, she said that the university adopted a cost-minimisation strategy.
“When I arrived, we had only 66 students, and the school charges couldn’t cover much. “But now, we have grown to admit almost 700 students, and the numbers continue to rise.”
TAU, located in a rural community with over 300 hectares of undeveloped land, has turned to agriculture to sustain itself.
“We decided to go into farming to ensure that we can feed our students and reduce costs. We grow our food, raise cattle, and rear fish for local consumption,” she explained. The university also empowers its various departments, such as engineering and furniture production, to rely on local materials for construction and other needs. We make our hostel lockers, beds, road markings, and even produce bricks for construction,” she added.
“All students are housed on campus and are not allowed to cook for themselves.
“To reduce food costs, we decided to grow our produce, such as tomatoes and onions, and even make our palm oil.
“Once we harvest and dehydrate the tomatoes, we won’t need to buy them for the entire year,” Oladipo said.
As part of the university’s mission to provide students with practical skills, TAU has partnered with local communities to create job opportunities. Oladipo highlighted the involvement of the local community in various construction projects on campus, including road markings for the Omu-Aran road project by the Kwara State government, which were completed by the university’s second-year engineering students.
“Under Professor Oladipo’s leadership, TAU has grown from offering 13 academic programs to 27, with plans to introduce medical and law programs sooner than originally planned. “When I arrived, there was no strategic plan in place, but we developed one quickly. We began with 13 programs, and by next year, we will admit our first cohort of medical students—years ahead of the original plan,” she revealed.
“We’re committed to offering signature academic programs that will set us apart. “That’s why we pushed for the Law program, which received NUC approval just a month after I arrived, despite it not being in the original plan.”
Oladipo maintained that the university also provided its students with unique opportunities to gain certifications beyond their degrees.
“ In partnership with the National Open College Network, TAU offers students the chance to earn additional certificates recognized by the UK government. These certifications, available in skills like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, will help students gain international recognition for their skills.
“We wanted our students to graduate not only with a degree but with practical skills and certifications that will open doors for them globally,” Oladipo explained.
The NOCN certification is particularly aimed at empowering artisans in the local community, allowing them to gain credentials that will help them find work abroad.
“Despite the progress, funding remains a major challenge for the university, especially in a rural setting. “When I arrived, the founder was personally covering salaries, but we’ve been fortunate to attract talented staff who are committed to our vision. Since taking charge, the university has won nearly $100,000 in grants, including a recent $75,000 grant, to support its expansion.”
