The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, on Monday led the management team of the institution on a strategic visit to Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Lugard in Banda, Lokoja, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration on security and institutional development.

The university delegation was received by the Commander of the base, A.O. Ojo, a member of the 44 Regular Course and the 13th Commander of the base.

Speaking during the visit, Professor Ibileye congratulated the naval command on what he described as a historic milestone, noting that the Federal University Lokoja delegation was the first official team to be hosted in the newly completed conference room built within the commander’s first six months in office.

The Vice Chancellor said the visit formed part of the university management’s continued engagement with security agencies to reinforce partnerships aimed at ensuring the safety of the university community and its facilities.

He recalled that the Federal University Lokoja, established in 2011, commenced academic activities on December 3, 2012 with two facilities, 11 departments and 235 pioneer students. He noted that the institution has now expanded to 17 faculties, two colleges, over 18 centres, institutes and directorates with a student population of about 30,000.

Professor Ibileye expressed delight that Lieutenant Gafar Raji, one of the institution’s pioneer students, is now serving in the Nigerian Navy, describing it as a source of pride for the university.

He also appealed for deeper collaboration between both institutions, especially in the area of postgraduate education, while encouraging personnel of the naval base to enroll in the university’s academic programmes.

In his response, Commander of the Base, CDRE A.O. Ojo, appreciated the university management for the visit and described the occasion as memorable, noting that the Federal University Lokoja team was the first delegation to be hosted in the new conference room.

The Commander said the command remains committed to intelligence support and the protection of lives and property, stressing that Kogi State occupies a strategic position because of the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue.

According to him, the base would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to strengthen security around the university and ensure a safe environment for learning and development. “We will map out strategies to ensure we provide more security for the institution,” Ojo said.

Top management officers of the command present during the visit included Commander Air Combat II and Executive Officer, CA Ottar, Lieutenant GA Raji, as well as the Public Relations Officer, Naval Assistant and Secretary to the Commander, Lieutenant LE Antai.

The Vice Chancellor was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor S.D. Musa, the Registrar, Dr Rebecca Okojie, the Chief Security Officer, Rtd. Lt. Col. Babafemi Sunday Mepaiyeda, the Director, Directorate of Strategic Communication and Corporate Documentation, Dr Tosin Olagunju, among other university officials. See more pictures here

© Directorate of Strategic Communication and Corporate Documentation
Federal University Lokoja