In a press conference held via Zoom, Oladipo emphasized that TAU is the only private university in Kwara State authorized to offer medical programs, having obtained a full operational license from the National Universities Commission to create a Faculty of Nursing.
“We are one of only three universities in Nigeria offering a Doctorate in Physiotherapy, a program not even available at the University of Ilorin, which only offers a Bachelor’s degree in the field. Although the University of Ilorin is our mentor institution, it doesn’t yet have a full Faculty of Nursing Science, whereas we do, and we have already received full operational approval from the NUC.”
Oladipo disclosed that she was specifically sought after for the position of Vice-Chancellor, emphasizing that the founder's vision for the university was fundamentally centered on creating job opportunities alongside delivering high-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 disclosed that the university had encountered difficulties in functioning without external financial support from organizations such as Tetfund.
To prevent imposing a financial strain on the founder, she indicated that the university implemented a cost-reduction 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, situated in a rural area encompassing more than 300 hectares of untapped land, has embraced agriculture as a means of self-sustainability.
“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.
In alignment with its mission to equip students with practical skills, TAU has collaborated with local communities to generate employment opportunities. Oladipo emphasized the active participation of the local community in several construction initiatives on campus, such as the road markings for the Omu-Aran road project undertaken by the Kwara State government, which were successfully executed 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 emphasized that the university offered its students distinctive opportunities to obtain certifications in addition to 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 specifically designed to empower local artisans, enabling them to obtain credentials that enhance their opportunities for employment overseas.
“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.”