The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, says the institution has secured a ₦3 billion TETFund intervention for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Sciences.
He disclosed this during a briefing at the university’s permanent site in Lokoja as part of activities marking his 100 days in office, noting that the funding reflects growing confidence in the institution by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to him, the new centre will position the university at the forefront of emerging technologies and serve as a hub for advanced research, postgraduate training, and high-level digital skills development for students in Nigeria and the wider region.
Professor Ibileye also announced additional support, including a ₦335 million NEEDS Assessment intervention aimed at improving infrastructure, academic facilities, and priority development projects within the university.
He added that TETFund has committed ₦700 million and ₦400 million respectively for the upgrade of laboratories and classrooms, while a further ₦300 million zonal intervention has been secured to strengthen critical infrastructure.
On academic development, the Vice-Chancellor said the National Universities Commission has granted full accreditation to eight programmes, including Mass Communication, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Sociology, and Education-related courses.
He further revealed that the pioneer students of the College of Health Sciences have successfully passed their Basic Medical Examination and progressed into clinical training, describing it as a historic milestone that could produce the first generation of medical doctors fully trained in Kogi State.
Professor Ibileye also announced the establishment of a Central Examination Office to strengthen academic standards, quality assurance, and examination integrity across the university.
He noted growing collaboration with security agencies and traditional institutions to ensure a safe learning environment and improve community relations.
The university has also developed international partnerships with institutions in Egypt, South Africa, Canada, and other countries to boost research, staff training, and academic exchange programmes.
While acknowledging infrastructural and systemic challenges inherited over the years, the Vice-Chancellor said reforms would be implemented gradually and sustainably to reposition the institution for long-term academic excellence.
