Covenant University

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Covenant University
Motto Raising a New Generation of Leaders
Established 21st October, 2002
Type Private
Chancellor Dr. David Oyedepo
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Charles Ayo
Location Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Website http://www.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/

Covenant University is located in Ota, Ogun State in Nigeria. It is a Private Christian University and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.[1][2]

History

On October 21, 2002, the African educational landscape was radically altered by the formal entry of Covenant University (CU) into the Higher Education context. Covenant University is located in Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State. CU is a fast growing, dynamic vision-birthed and vision-driven University, founded on a Christian mission ethos and committed to pioneering excellence at different paradigms of learning. Covenant University (CU) is a product of the Liberation Commission that God gave to Bishop David O. Oyedepo in a May 1981 vision-encounter. The drive to embark on the process of founding CU came about October 1999, one month after the dedication of Faith Tabernacle, ota, Nigeria, the largest church auditorium in the world, built in one year with only local resources. Covenant University was established by the World Mission Agency (an arm of the Living Faith Church Worldwide) in the footsteps of world-renowned institutions like Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Duke. As a Christian mission University, its philosophy and pillars are deep-rooted in Biblical principles and are directed towards effecting a change that will advance humanity and restore the dignity of the Blackman. The University is driven by the compelling vision of raising a new generation of leaders in all fields of human endeavour. The University's custom-built Programmes of Total Man Concept (TMC), Entrepreneurial Development Studies (EDS) and Towards a Total Graduate (TTG) are very innovative and impactful in raising Agents of Change in all spheres of human endeavour. The context of Covenant University is morally and spiritually holding, with a stable academic calendar, a well stocked library, state-of-the-art laboratories and an excellent road network. Our mandate is to pioneer excellence in teaching, research, community impact and scholarship. The University campus is an ultramodern campus and is fully residential for both staff and students with ample opportunities for informal interaction between faculty and students, thereby creating a special ambience of living and learning together. The University is equipped with a network computer base enabled by wireless hot spots/Internet access, a wide range of lecture halls, theatres and laboratories equipped with high-tech electronic boards providing adequate facilities for teaching and research along the lines of the current 33 programmes in the University's two Colleges of Development Studies and Science and Technology.

Our Vision

To be a leading world-class University, committed to raising a new generation of leaders.

Mission

To create knowledge and restore the dignity of the black man via a Human Development Total Man Concept driven curriculum employing innovative, leading edge teaching and learning methods, research and professional services that promote integrated, life-applicable, life-transforming education relevant to the context of Science, Technology and Human Capacity Building.

Founding Philosophy

In response to the global demand for a needed departure from dogmatism to dynamism in the existing educational system, Covenant University is built on these philosophical platforms: A departure from 'Form' to 'Skill’ A departure from 'knowledge' to 'empowerment’ A departure from 'figures' to 'future-building’ A departure from 'legalism' to 'realism A departure from 'points' to 'facts’ A departure from 'mathe-matics' to 'life-matics'.

Mandate

“Raising a new generation of leaders through a qualitative and life-applicable training system that focuses on value and skill development.” “Raising a new generation of leaders through a broad based qualitative education built on sound biblical principles culminating in the birth of path-finders, pace-setters and trail-blazers.” “Raising a new generation of leaders who shall redeem the battered image of the black race and restore her lost glory as these trained army of reformers begin to build the old wastes, repair the wasted cities and raise the desolation of many generations.”

Core Values

The leadership thrust as a university is built on a set of values which are referred to as the core values. That is a Covenant University culture put in place to secure the future of students. These include:

  1. Spirituality
  2. Integrity
  3. Capacity Building
  4. Possibility Mentality
  5. Responsibility
  6. Diligence
  7. Sacrifice

Governance

World Mission Agency (WMA), a Christian mission organization, (an arm of Living Faith Church World Wide founded by Dr. David Oyedepo) is the proprietor of Covenant University. In his capacity as the visioner of the University, Dr Oyedepo serves as the life Chancellor of the University and the Chairman of the Board of Trustee of World Mission Agency. It is the Board of Trustee of World Mission Agency that appoints members and also elects the Chairman of the Board of Regents (Governing Council) of Covenant University. The Board is the apex governing body of the University.
The University’s vision of raising a new generation of leaders has necessitated the development of a unique approach to governance and management of the institution. Its founding philosophy is to specifically and emphatically promote change against the status quo.

Management

The Chancellor

The Chancellor of the University, Bishop Dr. David Oyedepo is the Chief Executive Officer of the University. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Regents.

The Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Academic Officer of the University. In this capacity, he/she is the Chief Responsibility Officer for University’s operations. Academic administration is planted firmly in the highest academic authority of the university which is the Senate. The Vice Chancellor is the Chairman of University Senate and exercises all powers granted him/her in the law that established the University in respect of guiding and directing the university’s academic activities. He/She holds in trust the Chancellor’s executive responsibilities and authority in all areas where the Chancellor so delegates. He/She also serves as a member of the Board of Regents. Current Vice-Chancellor is Proffessor C.K. Ayo.

The Deputy Vice Chancellors

The Deputy Vice Chancellors are responsible to the Vice Chancellor. The offices provide Academic and Administrative Leadership support for the Vice Chancellor by ensuring excellent and harmonious discharge of responsibilities assigned to him.

The Registrar

He is the Chief Administrative Officer of the University and oversees the administrative efficiency of the university engaging historical records and regulations. The Registrar chairs the University's Administrative Board, which serves as the university's apex administrative organ and clearance house for all operational issues. He monitors rules, regulations and policies as well as make recommendations on policies to both Senate and Board of Regents where he/she serves as Secretary.

Other Officers of the University

  1. The Deans of Colleges
  2. The Deputy Deans of Schools
  3. The Director of Physical Planning and Development
  4. The Director of the Centre for Learning Resources
  5. The Director of Financial Services Department
  6. The Director of the Centre for System & Information Services
  7. The Director Centre for Research and Development
  8. The Director of Strategic Business Unit
  9. The Director of Academic Planning Unit
  10. The Director of Quality Assurance and Academic Standard
  11. The Director Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies
  12. The Deputy Registrar

Academic Programmes

Covenant University academic programmes are run in two Colleges and six schools. The Colleges, Schools and Programmes are as follow:

College of Development Studies

College of Development Studies
  • School of Business
  1. Accounting
  2. Banking And Finance
  3. Business Management
  • School of Social Sciences
  1. Economics And Development Studies
  2. Political Science & International Relations
  • School of Human Resource Development
  1. Languages
  2. Psychology
  3. Mass Communication
  4. Sociology

College of Science and Technology

  • School of Natural and Applied Sciences
  1. Physics
  2. Chemistry
  3. Mathematics
  4. Computer & Management Information Sciences
  5. Biological Sciences
  • School of Environmental Sciences
  1. Building Technology
  2. Architecture
  3. Estate Management
  • School of Engineering and Technology
  1. Chemical Engineering
  2. Petroleum Engineering
  3. Electrical & Information Engineering (EIE)
  4. Civil Engineering
  5. Mechanical Engineering

School of Postgraduate Studies

Covenant University runs postgraduate programmes in the entire courses list above.

Campus

A View of the Serene Covenant University Campus

The University is situated on it main and only campus in Canaanland, Ota, where all it academic activities takes place. Life on Covenant University is serene and secure. It is pollution free and well laid out structures on green lawn. Basic amenities such as good network roads, 24 hours water and electricity, health centre are available. Other amenities are banking facilities, shopping facilities, internet facilities and gas station.

Sport

Sports and recreation occupies a prominent place in the core activities of the University. Students, Faculty and Staff are provided with the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitive and recreational sports in a safe environment. Also included in the sports facilities are;

  • Swimming pool
  • Lawn tennis court
  • Basket ball court
  • Football pitch
  • Volley ball court etc.

Library

Covenant University’s Centre for Learning Resources, otherwise known as the University’s Library, is situated between the female Hall of Residence Dorcas Hall and Esther Hall areas of the campus, and directly opposite the University's chapel. It has become a reference point in the Nigerian academic library system. The level of automation, the deployment of ICT, annual addition of 10,000 volumes culminating to robust, current and comprehensive collection, avalanche of electronic journals and books, 24-hour internet connectivity, functional audio-visual facilities, regular power supply, serene and spacious environment that is fully air-conditioned, exquisite furniture, highly skilled and well motivated professionals are part of the unique characteristics of the centre. The Covenant University library is an ICT-driven Centre and can boast of functional virtual library services, giving users access to its Web Public Access Catalogue (WebPAC), clr.covenantuniversity.edu.ng and other electronic resources from offices, departments and wherever there is a web browser anywhere in the globe and at anytime. The library complex is an edifice with three floors, reputed to be one of the largest in Africa. The total floor area of the complex is 11,300m/2. It is designed as an imposing glass structure, which portrays learning and research as the major activities in the University. It is strategically located amidst the college buildings, the University Chapel and the Halls of Residence. It is able to accommodate up to 3000 readers and about 500 research staff and postgraduate

Awards and Recognitions

The University's efforts in entrenching a rich academic and research culture have also been validated nationally. In May 2005, the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria, rated the University the overall best in the nationwide accreditation exercise of that year. The University also emerged Best Private University in Nigeria (2005). According to the then Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Peter Okebukola, CU ranked top among the then 23 private Universities in the country in terms of quality programmes. A survey also conducted by NUC and reported in the Punch Newspaper of Wednesday, October 5, 2005, also rated the University as the Most Preferred University among the private universities in the country by candidates seeking University admission through the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Other awards won by the University include Best ICT Driven University (2007) and Fastest Growing Private University in Nigeria Award at the Education Time's Award of Excellence 2008. The University was adjudged the Best Private University 2009 at the Education Watch Awards, the Best ICT Driven University of the Year 2009 at the National ICT Merit Awards, the Best ICT-Driven University in West Africa 2010 and rated A in the NUC's Pilot Institutional Accreditation (2010). Covenant University became the first University in Nigeria and Africa to host the Launch of UN Global Report (October 2011), the first University in Nigeria and one of the very few in Africa to start training SAP Consultants in collaboration with SAP University Alliances and SAP Education in 2011 and also the only University in Nigeria and one of the very few in Africa with both the Autodesk Authorised Training and Certification Centre. It also received the Best Marketing Students Award of the Year at the NIMN Award 2011 and the joint winner of the first edition of Unilever Idea Trophy. Covenant University was ranked Number 1 Private University in Nigeria (July 2011, January 2012 & January 2013 World Universities Webometric Rankings). Just recently, the University was adjudged the Best Maintained Educational Institution in Nigeria 2012 at the Institutional Facility Management Award for 2012 and the Best Performing Higher Institution of the Year Award 2013. The University also came 2nd and 5th positions in a Design Competition organized by Ife Architecture Students Association of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife held in December 2012.

The number of cutting-edge workshops, seminars and conferences that the University has hosted and continues to host is another strong confirmation of the emerging status of the University as a globally established brand. One of such conferences was the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities Conference which was held at the African Leadership Development Centre at Covenant University, 27–30 June 2011, the first time such a meeting was hosted by a Private University in Nigeria.

Notable Alumni

  • Ishaya Bako, Nigerian Film Director and Screen Writer[3][4]
  • Bez, Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, Singer-songwriter and composer.[5][6]

Criticism

Due to the strict codes of conduct as a Christian school and community, Covenant University has suffered numerous lawsuits and criticism throughout the past.[7][8][9][10]

References

  1. ↑ Association of Commonwealth Universities Members in Nigeria
  2. ↑ Covenant University partners USAID on health, leadership skills
  3. ↑ http://tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/news/item/17461-two-filmmakers-and-a-poet-for-awf-july-guest-writer-session.html
  4. ↑ http://www.ventures-africa.com/2012/05/interview-with-ishaya-bako-amaa-film-award-winner/
  5. ↑ http://www.bellanaija.com/2012/12/01/bn-saturday-celebrity-interview-its-show-time-soul-singer-bez-dishes-on-love-fame-music-as-he-counts-down-to-his-super-sun-concert//
  6. ↑ http://tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/2012-10-22-10-18-34/item/13732-i-wait-to-be-inspired-by-music-bez.html
  7. ↑ http://www.bellanaija.com/2013/02/28/student-expelled-from-covenant-university-for-watching-pornography-drags-school-to-court/
  8. ↑ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6955149.stm
  9. ↑ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/12/covenant-university-expels-200-students-for-not-attending-church-service/
  10. ↑ http://premiumtimesng.com/news/115699-nans-condemns-covenant-university-for-students-expulsion.html

External links

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