Taiwo Popoola
In an intellectually stimulating and forward-looking discourse between Omniversity Imperial College LLC, Missouri, USA, and its Lagos, Nigeria campus, the institution’s President and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Professor Tokunbo Akeredolu-Ale, engaged with members of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria (GPAAN), led by its President, Ayo Oyoze Baje. The interactive session centred on Omniversity’s mission, impact, and its pioneering approach to practice-based education, designed to redefine the learning landscape across Africa.
The event was held at Omniversity’s serene and certificate-adorned office at Alade Olowosokedile Estate, Fagba, Lagos. Baje, who moderated the session, welcomed attendees, including Cami Ezenwa, lecturer at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba; Joseph Amaoru, Treasurer, GPAAN; Stephen Aya, Financial Secretary, GPAAN; and Oyeniran Apata, Education Editor at the Daily Times Newspapers.
Describing Omniversity as a “game-changer in Nigeria’s education spectrum” for its strong focus on practical experience and skill acquisition, Baje emphasised the timeliness and necessity of the partnership between Omniversity and GPAAN to promote and amplify its transformative educational vision.
A New Narrative in Education
In his remarks, Professor Akeredolu-Ale highlighted the institution’s mission to shift the focus of education from paper qualifications to practical competence and real-world experience.
“We need legitimacy. We should practice what we preach,” he stated. “The man who stopped the war—was he a soldier? Professor Wole Soyinka has no PhD. Should we analyse a PhD only by a thesis? Evaluation systems, assessment, and quality checks have to evolve.”
He further cited global examples: “China, Rwanda, and France emphasise results and practicality over academic titles. If Bill Gates signs your certificate, ask yourself—Who certified him?
According to him, education must adapt to the realities of the Artificial Intelligence era, where outdated academic models are giving way to innovation-driven, experience-based learning.
“We cannot remain on the old paths. The dynamics of AI have rendered some educational approaches obsolete,” he stressed.
Legitimacy, Registration, and Accreditation
Responding to questions on the institution’s registration, Professor Akeredolu-Ale traced Omniversity’s origins to Omnibus Global Academy, established over a decade ago. The Lagos campus was registered two years ago, and the Missouri, USA campus followed a year later.
“All our registrations went through rigorous inspections,” he explained. “Omniversity was found worthy of all certifications and approvals, including that of the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education.”
Through its Distance Learning by Correspondence model, Omniversity offers WES-approved Certificates, Diplomas, Postgraduate, Master’s, Postdoctoral, and Fellowship qualifications designed to enhance learners’ professional standing and income potential. These programs are accredited, evaluated, validated, and awarded by recognised international bodies, enabling learners in Nigeria to earn Canadian, British, and U.S. qualifications without leaving the country.
