By Abiodun Yusuf
In the cultural-scenic city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Chrisland University has quietly grown into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s educational haven. This historic city can’t be doubted when it comes to education as it has its blueprint in his sons and even only the soil.
Since its founding in 2015 by Winifred Adefolahan Awosika, the university has become a place where ambition meets opportunity, where the seeds of knowledge are planted and nurtured into towering trees of achievement. It’s a space where tradition and innovation dance together, creating an environment that encourages students to dream boldly and reach further than they ever imagined.
From the very beginning, Chrisland University set out with a clear mission: to be more than just a school. It aimed to be an astute educational institution where learning stretches beyond the confines of textbooks, where students are shaped into well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world. Without despising its little beginning, Chrisland University started modestly with two colleges – Arts, Management, and Social Sciences, and Natural and Applied Sciences, but quickly grew, hoping and working assiduously towards the crest. By 2019, the College of Basic Medical Sciences was introduced, followed by the College of Law, which earned its accreditation in 2022. These weren’t just additions; they were statements of intent, a promise to stay relevant in a world that never stops moving.
The journey so far has been marked by moments of pride, faith, resilience and progress. In 2018, under the steady guidance of the citadel’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, the university secured full accreditation for nine programmes, including Business Administration, Economics, and Computer Science. By 2021, three more – Mass Communication, Banking and Finance, and International Relations joined the ranks, solidifying the institution’s reputation for academic depth and relevance. These milestones weren’t accidents; they were the result of hard work, vision, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. These achievements with Prof. Chinedum’s administration have proven, too, that when it comes to high-flying tales, the patriarchal talks shiver.
Graduation at Chrisland University goes beyond formalities – it’s a time to celebrate effort, dedication, and success. The first convocation in 2019 was a defining moment as the pioneer class graduated, with Lauretta Onemu from Psychology achieving a perfect 5.00 CGPA. The event welcomed distinguished guests like former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Professor Peter Okebukola, who shared words of wisdom with the graduates. In the years that followed, students like Folashade Kikelomo Mary in 2020 and Kave Martha Iveren in 2021 continued to raise the bar. By 2024, the university marked another milestone, graduating 185 students, including 25 with First Class honors, led by Omodehin Oluwasemilore from Psychology with a 4.99 CGPA; another reminder of the school’s dedication to academic growth.
Leadership has always been central to Chrisland University’s progress. In 2024, Prof. Oyedunni Arulogun took over as Vice-Chancellor from Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, continuing the university’s commitment to growth and innovation. A key example is the College of Law, where Dr. Kayode Akinsola, as Acting Dean/Provost, has introduced new initiatives to strengthen legal education. He launched the university’s first annual law dinner to foster professionalism and networking, organized career talks with seasoned lawyers, and created the Chambers Attachment program, giving students hands-on experience in top law firms. He also set up four faculty chambers within the university, providing students with practical training to prepare them for the legal profession.
But Dr. Akinsola’s vision doesn’t stop at student development. He has also championed faculty growth, fostering collaborations with other law schools, creating research opportunities, and integrating digital tools into learning. Recognizing the pivotal role of staff in shaping future legal professionals, he has prioritized training programs and improved welfare, nurturing a culture of excellence and dedication. His leadership has not only driven change but also inspired confidence in students and renewed purpose among staff, cementing the College of Law as a beacon of innovation and discipline.
Beyond the lecture halls, Chrisland University actively fosters partnerships that enhance student learning, such as its collaboration with the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, for hands-on healthcare training and research. Embracing global connections, it co-hosted the 8th International Conference on the Future of Women with The International Institute of Knowledge Management, creating a space for insightful discussions. More than an institution, Chrisland is a community where dreams take shape.