McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, held a press briefing today at its campus to announce preparations for its 13th matriculation and the 8th and 9th combined convocation ceremonies. The event provided an opportunity to highlight the University’s achievements, challenges, and future plans. 

The press briefing was attended by major media organizations, including Punch Newspapers, The Nation, Blueprint, Tribune, ThisDay, The Guardian, and Adamimogo Radio Station. Also present were Members of Management, ably led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Igbasan, Dean’s, Directors, and other key members of the University Community. The Vice-Chancellor, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the significance of the Convocation and the Institution’s progress over the years. 

Speaking at the event, the Prof. Igbasan called for Federally Government’s support for Private Universities, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). “Our major challenge is funds, but by the grace of God, we have been able to pay salaries. The government can come to the aid of private universities through TETFund. Students from private universities will still contribute to the growth of the nation, so it is not right to exclude private institutions from TETFund. We also believe that students from private universities should have access to student loans recently introduced by the Federal Government,” he stated. 

Reflecting on the University’s history, he recalled that McPherson University was licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2012 as the 49th private university in Nigeria. Established by the Foursquare Gospel Church, the University was officially inaugurated in November 2012. Since its inception, it has experienced steady growth in student enrollment, academic programs, and infrastructure. 

The university has recorded significant progress in academics, securing FULL Accreditation for seven undergraduate programs, including Mass Communication, Computer Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Cyber Security, and Software Engineering. It has also received approval to introduce new undergraduate and postgraduate programs, such as a Bachelor’s in Data Science and Ph.D. programs in Religious Studies and Accounting. 

Infrastructure development has been a priority for McPherson University. Several new buildings have been completed and commissioned, including new student hostels, a central cafeteria, an anatomy laboratory, a water factory, and a bakery. Plans are also underway to establish additional academic programs and upgrade campus facilities to enhance students’ learning experiences. 

Beyond academics, McPherson University remains committed to corporate social responsibility. The Institution has undertaken several initiatives in its host communities, such as building a community hall, providing medical outreach services, and offering scholarships to indigent students. It has also partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps on public safety campaigns and regularly engages with secondary schools through educational programs and essay competitions. These initiatives reflect the university’s dedication to positively impacting society beyond its academic walls. 

The institution is also making strides in entrepreneurship and innovation. The newly established Directorate of Entrepreneurship & Innovation equips students with vocational skills in areas such as fashion design, barbing, hairdressing, paint-making, and phone repairs. Additionally, the University operates Revenue-Generating agricultural projects, including cassava and pineapple farming, piggery, and cattle rearing, which serve both as learning platforms for students and as sources of internally generated revenue. 

McPherson University continues to expand its collaborative efforts, establishing partnerships with both local and international institutions. It has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with universities in Thailand and the United States to facilitate student and faculty exchange programs. Investments in ICT infrastructure have also improved e-learning facilities, ensuring that students and staff have access to modern technological resources. 

The press briefing concluded with a guided tour of the university’s facilities, including the entrepreneurship center, the 5,000-seat Multipurpose Hall, hostel accommodations, laboratories, bakery, and water factory. 

With the upcoming combined convocation, McPherson University stands poised to celebrate its achievements and reaffirm its mission of building a community of excellence and integrity for national development.