By Fresh Facts Magazine Staff Writer
As Bells University of Technology, Ota, celebrates its 20th anniversary alongside its 17th convocation ceremony, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Jeremiah Ojediran, has restated the university’s unwavering commitment to nurturing graduates who are not just employable, but capable of creating jobs and driving national development through innovation and research.
Speaking during a press briefing to herald the milestone event, Prof. Ojediran described Bells University as a citadel of learning that prioritizes practical education and problem-solving over rote learning. According to him, the university’s philosophy is deeply rooted in empowering students with entrepreneurial and technical skills to transform ideas into viable ventures.
“Our graduates are not job seekers; they are job creators,” Ojediran affirmed. “We train them to identify gaps in society and apply research-driven solutions to real-world challenges.”
Citing a practical example, the Vice Chancellor recounted how students of the institution were trained in interlocking brick production and construction. The students went on to handle the interlocking of the university’s premises before graduation—an experience that has since propelled many into successful small-scale construction businesses.
Beyond vocational skills, Bells University is also embracing cutting-edge technology to drive research and national growth. Prof. Ojediran revealed that the institution is exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in addressing critical national concerns such as food security and sustainable development.
“Our focus is to align education with innovation,” he explained. “We are building a system where knowledge translates into tangible solutions for Nigeria’s pressing problems.”
The Vice Chancellor also disclosed that a total of 1,016 students will be graduating during the combined convocation and anniversary ceremony—a landmark figure that reflects the university’s steady growth. He noted with satisfaction that the number of applicants to Bells University has doubled in recent years, rising from about 2,000 to 4,000, signaling the growing confidence of parents and students in the quality of education the institution offers.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, the university will honour some members of its Board of Trustees and pioneer professors who have contributed immensely to its development since inception. The founder of the university, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, also received special commendation from Prof. Ojediran for his vision and enduring support for the institution’s progress.
In appreciation of the communities that have hosted and supported the university over the years, Bells University has lined up a series of events, including a medical outreach, a convocation lecture, and community visits as part of its celebration activities.
Two decades after its establishment, Bells University of Technology continues to stand as a model of purpose-driven education in Nigeria—an institution where research, innovation, and entrepreneurship converge to produce graduates equipped to transform challenges into opportunities.
