Achievers University, Owo, was conceived by a group of Nigerians who have a vision to establish a world-class University. I was privileged to be appointed as a member of the Planning and Implementation Committee in 2004.  All through the period of three years of my service in the Committee, it was clearly evident from the seriousness and the commitment of the promoters that a well-focused University would emerge. 

The pioneer students, numbering 149, resumed for the first semester of 2007/2008 Academic Session on 7th April, 2008.  Since then, a lot has been accomplished at Achievers University in terms of quality of tuition and infrastructural development.  No doubt, a number of challenges confronted us as pioneer management; it is gratifying to note that within 100 days of operation, all academic and frontline officers had been properly accommodated. 

The Governing Council of the University exhibited the serious commitment to excellence by ensuring that all offices are internet-connected; the entire University premises is internet serviced; all classrooms installed with interactive boards; and genuine efforts made to recruit qualified and experienced lecturers. Every student of the University is provided with accommodation as this constitutes one of the policies of the University.

The second academic session commenced on 15th February, 2009 with another batch of 150 students matriculated on 2nd April, 2009. It is envisaged that by the time the 3^rd academic session would resume on 4th January, 2010, the central administration and all academic activities would have shifted to the permanent site. Management is working in tandem with the Council to ensure that by the fourth academic session, the University would key into September – June calendar year system.

With utmost sincerity, I am convinced that Achievers University is out to make a difference in the annals of tertiary education in Nigeria.  It is pertinent to mention here that the products of Achievers University would graduate with three certificates.  These include the normal degree as awarded by universities, but with a difference. All our graduates will be computer literate.  In addition to this, all our students are exposed to professional training and examinations such as ACIB, ACCA, CIIN, CISCO, ORACLE, COMPTIA, CCNA etc.  The vision is to see that all our graduates are professionally qualified at the point of graduation or soon after.  The third certificate is vocational.  Each of our students would choose a vocation out of a variety in which the University would train him both in theory and practice.  This is to ensure that our graduates can stand on their feet on graduation.

This is our model of University education and shall be painstakingly pursued and achieved. I have no doubt in my mind that a choice of Achievers University is definitely a wise one.

PROF. J.A. ODEBIYI

B.Sc. (Ibadan), M.S. Ph.D. (California: Riverside), FESN

Vice-Chancellor