You are welcome to Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria

May I introduce myself…. I am Sola Fajana, Professor of Labour and Human Resource Management. I assumed office recently as vice chancellor of JABU. I bring on board three decades of continuous service in the Nigerian university system. I have a good understanding of the failings of the older generation universities, and the challenges that confront newer ones. I am committed to avoiding the errors of the older schools. They will not be replicated in JABU by the special grace of God.

Our university was established in obedience to divine instructions by the Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide in 2004, under the leadership of its President, Pastor (Dr.) E. H. L Olusheye. It started academic sessions in 2006 post-license, with the objective of providing educational services that would inculcate Godly values in its graduates, and provide them with functional education aimed at producing job creators rather than job seekers. This institution pioneered the trend for entrepreneurship education in Nigeria. The National Universities Commission therefore had a pilot in the JABU initiative and thereafter prescribed mandatory general studies that include entrepreneurship in the various degree programmes in Nigerian universities. But so far, only JABU offers a first degree in entrepreneurship studies in Nigeria. Currently we have national accreditation in over 90 percent of courses running in five colleges: Agricultural Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, as well as Social and Management Sciences. JABU released its first set of graduates in November 2010. JABU will participate in international accreditations in the next few years.

This fast growing faith-based university is led by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Oladele Olashore (Chancellor), Prof AMA Imevbore (Pro-Chancellor) and Pastor C. Fasuyi (Vice-Chairman, Governing Council). We are driven by core values of integrity, honesty, teamwork, quality service and humanism. Our unique and critical selling point is the prospect of spiritual deliverance and rehabilitation of recalcitrant youths and the impartation of relevant theoretical concepts and practical skills using appropriate pedagogies.

I am calling on all stakeholders to join hands in the task of consolidating on the gains that God has given to us, so that we can move our university to the next level of greater physical and intellectual developments. To achieve this, there are cultural imperatives for every stakeholder. Our students manifest a high sense of discipline that would be expected in a faith based environment. Whereas the moral fabric of the society is disappearing with the decay in societal values, and the nuances of the millennial children, our staff, students and graduates are above board. Our parents are supportive, prayerful and understanding. The demand for good education is high, but we wish this demand will be made effective to the extent that parents fulfill their obligations through prompt payment of school fees. The staffers are diligent, creative, committed and resourceful. They exist in loco parentis with the students. They commit to oneness among peers. Management appreciates the diversity that characterizes the nation, and is therefore tolerant of religions, geriatric groupings, and generational differences. Our campus is small enough for us to be united culturally, and it is big enough to let everyone be the best that he or she wants to be.

If you wish to be a member of this glorious family in the City of God, that our campus is, I shall personally await your arrival and together we shall celebrate your absolvement and personal greatness in life.

Once again, you are welcome