By Jerry Ocheme
Once a little-known private institution in Kogi State, Salem University is now gaining national and global recognition. Under the disciplined leadership of Professor Johnson Alewo Akubo, the school has witnessed sweeping reforms — from upgraded facilities and new academic programmes to media visibility, community development, and a reputation that now attracts leaders and scholars alike.
Salem University, Lokoja, was once a modest player in Nigeria’s private education sector, little known beyond Kogi State. But today, the story has changed. The institution is now carving a niche for itself in the academic landscape, and at the center of this transformation is Professor Johnson Alewo Akubo, its Vice Chancellor.
His leadership has redefined the trajectory of Salem University. With a mix of academic discipline, administrative ingenuity, and strategic communication, he has gradually positioned the school as a serious contender among private universities in Nigeria.
Founded in 2007 by Bishop Sam Amaga, Salem University was established with the vision of raising global leaders who would combine academic knowledge with moral and spiritual uprightness. Located in Jingbe, Lokoja, the school set out to provide a faith-based alternative in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, but for many years, it remained relatively unknown.
In its early years, the institution faced challenges common to many young private universities: low enrollment, poor visibility, and limited academic programmes. Parents and students alike often preferred more established schools. It would take visionary leadership to change that narrative.
One of the most significant drivers of this change has been Akubo’s deep understanding of public relations. Professor Akubo recognized early that a university’s reputation rests not only on facilities and programmes but also on how the public perceives it. To achieve this, he opened a strong channel of collaboration with the media.
By engaging journalists, Akubo gave Salem University a consistent voice in the public space. Events, activities, breakthroughs, and campus life began to receive attention in newspapers, radio, and television networks. The university transitioned from obscurity into visibility, creating new perceptions among parents, students, and policymakers.
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These deliberate engagements with the press reshaped the image of Salem University. What was once viewed as an average private school became respected for its seriousness and academic drive. This narrative shift was so strong that, in a few years, the university emerged on the global ranking of universities, a development that was almost unthinkable before Akubo’s tenure.
The Vice Chancellor’s personal lifestyle added credibility to these changes. Known for his disciplined work ethic, Professor Akubo became a model for staff and students alike. His punctuality, transparency, and commitment to orderliness gave confidence that the university was in the right hands.
He introduced a culture of strict work ethics across all levels of the institution. Staff became more accountable, departments more efficient, and students more responsive to learning. The ripple effect of this discipline is a campus culture where excellence is not only preached but practiced.
Recruitment policies also reflect his leadership philosophy. Under his watch, Salem University has attracted competent and motivated staff, many of whom bring rich experience from other institutions. This has raised the quality of teaching and mentorship available to students.
In academics, Professor Akubo has introduced specialized programmes tailored to modern needs. One shining example is the engineering of the Law programme, which has become the university’s signature. Today, Salem-trained lawyers are already gaining attention for their competence and professionalism.
Beyond Law, several new courses have been introduced and accredited under his leadership. Programmes such as Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Cyber Security, and other professional courses have expanded the university’s academic portfolio, making it a more attractive destination for diverse students.
Laboratories have been equipped to meet the demands of these courses. For the first time, Salem students are engaging with functional science labs, modern ICT resources, and postgraduate research facilities that meet global standards.
The university has also witnessed an increase in the number of professors, thanks to deliberate staff development policies. This boost in academic manpower has translated into stronger research output and higher teaching quality.
One striking achievement is the uninterrupted academic calendar. In a country where strikes often paralyze universities, Salem has remained steady. Students complete their programmes on time, a factor that greatly appeals to parents and employers.
Convocations have become regular features of the institution. Unlike in the past when ceremonies were irregular, Salem University now organizes annual convocations with pomp, celebrating achievements and attracting dignitaries.
Among its most notable alumni is the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, who obtained a Master’s degree in Accounting from the university. The significance of a sitting governor proudly identifying as an alumnus cannot be overstated. It projects confidence in Salem’s academic standards.
Other top government functionaries have also enrolled, further cementing Salem’s image as a trusted institution for leaders. This endorsement from the corridors of power has positioned the school as a credible place of learning.
The university’s impact goes beyond its campus walls. In Jingbe and Alete communities where it is located, Salem has become a beacon of hope. Through scholarships, job creation, and empowerment programmes, poor children are given a chance at education while families benefit from the economic activities generated by the university.
Looking at the bigger picture, the university’s expansion into courses like Medicine, Surgery, Engineering, and specialized technology programmes in the next few years will have a lasting impact on Kogi’s economy. It will attract investments, create jobs, and reduce the pressure on parents who often send children far away for such courses.
Accommodation is another selling point. Salem boasts large, conducive hostels that meet modern standards. Learning facilities are well maintained, while security on campus assures parents of the safety of their wards.
Equally important is the culture among lecturers. At Salem, teachers are not just academic instructors; they are mentors who uphold moral values alongside intellectual growth. This balance makes the university unique in the Nigerian context.
Professor Akubo himself is both a sociologist and an accountant, and he has successfully applied principles from these two disciplines in running the university. His sociological insight helps him manage people and communities, while his accounting background ensures financial prudence and transparency.
For prospective students and parents seeking stability, quality, and values, Salem University now stands out as a choice destination. The institution has demonstrated that private education in Nigeria can be both affordable and world-class.
The founding Chancellor, Bishop Sam Amaga, has expressed admiration for the current direction of the university. His vision of raising global leaders is steadily coming to life. Through his investments, scholarships for orphans, and unwavering support, he continues to strengthen the institution’s foundation.
Together, the Chancellor’s vision and the Vice Chancellor’s execution have created a synergy that propels Salem University forward. The school is no longer struggling for recognition; it is gradually building a global profile.
These achievements point to a future of possibilities. With sustained effort, Salem University is well positioned to attract global funding, international collaborations, and exchange programmes. Its openness to innovation makes it a strong candidate for global partnerships.
Indeed, the trajectory suggests that Salem may soon begin to admit foreign students. With its growing reputation, stable calendar, and specialized courses, the institution is set to become a regional hub for higher education in West Africa.
Salem University under Professor Johnson Alewo Akubo is more than a story of growth; it is a model of what vision and discipline can accomplish. From obscurity to recognition, the transformation speaks for itself.
And so, inside Salem University today, one finds an institution where wonders are indeed being worked — with results that inspire hope for the future of education in Nigeria.
Jerry Writes In From Kano State, North West Nigeria
