Trinity University: A Growing Brand in Nigerian Higher Education Reflects on Six Transformative Years, with Insightful Lecture
Trinity University commemorated its sixth anniversary with a landmark academic lecture delivered by Professor Mbang N. Femi-Oyewo, MFR, Provost of the College of Pharmacy at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, and a distinguished member of the Trinity University Governing Council. The lecture, titled “Trinity University Brand and the Contemporary Challenges of University Education in Nigeria,” critically examined the landscape of higher education and the role of private universities in nation-building.
Founded in January 2019 by the Trinity Education and Development Foundation (TEDF), the proprietors of Trinity International College, Ofada, Trinity University was established with a clear mission — to develop the “Total Man” through a robust blend of knowledge, skill, entrepreneurship, and character formation. With the motto “Building on the Rock,” the university has, over the past six years, distinguished itself as a rising force in private tertiary education, combining academic rigour with moral grounding.
A Strong Institutional Identity
In her comprehensive address, Professor Femi-Oyewo described the Trinity University brand as one deeply rooted in spiritual values, academic excellence, and visionary leadership. The brand is defined by the institution’s guiding philosophy and its commitment to global relevance, entrepreneurial development, and character building.
She highlighted the university’s core values under the acronym GAPRILD:
- Godliness
- Academic Excellence
- Professionalism
- Responsibility
- Integrity
- Leadership
These values, she said, are not just symbolic, but actively reflected in Trinity’s curriculum, student development programs, and institutional culture.
The university’s Unique Selling Points (USPs) were also outlined, including a cult-free environment conducive to learning, industry-aligned and entrepreneurship-driven academic offerings, state-of-the-art laboratories, and robust international linkages. Notable entrepreneurial programs include training in hospitality management, mechatronics, photography, cinematography, graphic design, and fashion, all aimed at fostering self-reliance among graduates.
Challenges Facing Higher Education in Nigeria
Professor Femi-Oyewo’s lecture delved into the broader contemporary challenges affecting Nigerian universities, both public and private. She identified major areas of concern, including:
- Quality Assurance and Accreditation:The struggle to meet and maintain NUC standards while adapting to emerging trends in global education.
- Faculty Recruitment and Retention:Difficulty in attracting and retaining top academic talent due to global competition and inadequate compensation.
- Financial Sustainability:Overdependence on tuition fees in the absence of government subvention, limiting capital development and innovation.
- Digital and Infrastructure Gaps: Outdated physical and digital infrastructure slowing down the integration of modern pedagogical approaches.
- Leadership and Governance Weaknesses:Ineffective leadership leading to poor decision-making, mismanagement, and institutional instability.
She supported these observations with relevant statistics, including the fact that as of February 2024, Nigeria has 149 private, 63 federal, and 63 state universities, all navigating the complex terrain of regulatory, financial, and societal expectations.
Pathways for Reform and Advancement
Addressing the way forward, the lecture presented a suite of policy recommendations and solutions for revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education sector. These included:
- Curriculum Reform and Industry Alignmentto ensure graduates are job-ready and relevant.
- Support for Research and Innovationthat bridges the gap between academic output and societal needs.
- Digital Transformationthrough the implementation of Learning Management Systems (LMS), mobile learning apps, and the introduction of Virtual and Augmented Reality labs for immersive learning.
- Faculty Development and Teaching Excellence Centersto equip lecturers with 21st-century pedagogical skills.
- Strategic Partnerships and Internationalizationto enhance global competitiveness, attract funding, and improve learning outcomes.
She advocated for evidence-based leadership, student-centered practices, and a culture of continuous assessment, feedback, and improvement. “Every problem is an opportunity waiting to be unveiled,” she said, reinforcing the idea that innovation and resilience are key to institutional growth.
Sustaining the Vision of Trinity University
In her closing remarks, Professor Femi-Oyewo commended the visionaries behind Trinity University, acknowledging the efforts of the Governing Council, academic staff, parents, and students in maintaining the institution’s upward trajectory. She expressed confidence that Trinity would continue to be a model for faith-based, excellence-driven private education in Nigeria.
“TU Brand must make the difference — and it will, in Jesus’ name. Together we will,” she concluded.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Kolawole, also gave his remarks, noting that the past six years have proven that Trinity University is not just another private university, but a purposeful, people-centered institution committed to national development through education.
The event concluded with a celebration of the university’s milestones and a renewed pledge to uphold its founding ideals in the years ahead.