…VC Asikhia Reaffirms Commitment to Research, Innovation
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Caleb University has hosted a landmark Education Collaborative Open House Day aimed at strengthening institutional partnerships, promoting research collaboration and advancing academic innovation across the higher education sector.
The event, themed “Strengthening Institutional Engagement,” brought together academic leaders, institutional administrators and university staff to explore opportunities within the Education Collaborative Network, particularly in research partnerships, grant acquisition, mentorship programmes and innovation-driven academic development.
Speaking at the programme, the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, commended the Centre for Grants and Endowments for organising an initiative that aligns with the institution’s vision of excellence, innovation and global engagement.
According to him, strategic partnerships remain essential for building resilient and globally competitive universities. He stressed that Caleb University would continue to support initiatives that deepen institutional collaboration and expand opportunities for research and academic growth.
“Our goal is to ensure that our faculty and researchers benefit from networks that enhance knowledge exchange and innovation,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Adesola Ajayi, described the programme as a timely initiative that promotes collaboration and institutional advancement within the higher education ecosystem.
She noted that universities must continuously pursue innovative partnerships to remain globally competitive, adding that the Education Collaborative presents a unique platform for institutions to exchange ideas, strengthen research culture and build sustainable academic networks.
Prof. Ajayi further stated that the initiative aligns with Caleb University’s vision of positioning itself as a hub for innovation and research excellence, while enabling institutions to collectively address emerging challenges confronting higher education.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Isaac Akinwumi highlighted the increasing challenges facing higher education institutions across various regions of the world.
He explained that many of the challenges are region-specific and require collaborative, context-driven solutions to ensure sustainable educational advancement.
Prof. Akinwumi disclosed that the Education Collaborative operates through four regional hubs, each designed to address the peculiar needs of institutions within its region while promoting cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing among universities.
Also speaking, the Director of the Centre for Grants and Endowments, Dr. Chinyere Ezeanya-Bakpa, said the Open House Day was organised to expose Caleb University staff to the numerous opportunities available within the Education Collaborative network.
She noted that the initiative provides faculty and staff with access to global communities of practice, innovation-driven research platforms, grants, mentorship opportunities and collaborative projects capable of strengthening institutional capacity.
According to her, the university is committed to maximising these opportunities to achieve sustainable academic growth and enhance its research profile.
The programme featured a series of interactive sessions and panel discussions focused on best practices in grant acquisition, donor relations, institutional advancement and collaborative research frameworks.
Participants engaged in extensive discussions on strategies for strengthening governance systems, promoting transparency and increasing research productivity within universities.
The Information, Media and Publication Specialist of the university, Olawale Adekoya, described the event as a strategic initiative capable of expanding the institution’s global academic connections.
He observed that the Education Collaborative offers Caleb University an important gateway to international research networks and innovation ecosystems, thereby strengthening the institution’s research culture and intellectual influence.
Adekoya added that connecting scholars with global communities of practice would significantly enhance the university’s academic visibility and international footprint.
The event concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to fostering regional cooperation, strengthening institutional accountability and exploring innovative pathways for sustainable educational development.
The Open House Day further underscored Caleb University’s growing reputation as a forward-looking institution committed to research excellence, innovation and global academic engagement.
