Oluwo: Westland University Ranks Among Nigeria’s Best Private Universities

-Advises Nigerian Students To Acquire Skills Beyond Degrees

The Oluwo of Iwoland and Chancellor of Westland University, Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has described Westland University as one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, attributing its growing academic excellence to the dedication, passion and teamwork of its management and workforce.

The monarch made the remarks on Wednesday during an official visit to the institution in Iwo, Osun State, where he commended the university’s Governing Council, management, lecturers and other members of staff for maintaining high academic standards.

Oba Akanbi expressed satisfaction with the quality of graduates produced by the institution, noting that the impressive number of students graduating with distinctions reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence.

Although the university may not yet enjoy widespread national recognition, he said its achievements have positioned it among Nigeria’s best institutions of higher learning, with the capacity to compete favourably on the global stage.

“I am proud of this university because our students are graduating with distinctions. The lecturers, departments, Chairman of the Governing Council and everyone involved are doing an excellent job. Westland University is one of the best universities in Nigeria, and I believe it has what it takes to stand among the best in the world,” the Oluwo said.

He attributed the institution’s success to the spirit of unity and commitment among members of staff, describing the university community as one family working towards a common goal.

The traditional ruler urged Nigerians to approach their various professions with dedication, patience and integrity, stressing that genuine commitment to service remains the foundation of success in both the public and private sectors.

“Wherever you work, serve with love, passion and patience. Whether in government or the private sector, commitment to service is what guarantees success. I love my responsibility as a king, and that passion has contributed greatly to my success. The same spirit is driving the success of Westland University,” he said.

Speaking on youth empowerment and unemployment, Oba Akanbi emphasised that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient in today’s competitive world, urging students and graduates to complement their certificates with vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

According to him, practical knowledge has become indispensable for career success and self-reliance.

“Degrees are important, but skills acquisition is equally important. Even after obtaining a degree or a master’s qualification, practical experience remains essential. Life is not only about theory; practical skills are indispensable,” he added.

Also speaking during the visit, the Vice President of Westland University, Chief Dr Mrs Esther Adepoju, encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace education as a pathway to personal development and national advancement.

She said education instils discipline, builds character and promotes integrity, while discouraging involvement in criminal activities and other social vices.

“Education may not automatically make one wealthy, but it liberates. An educated person understands the value of integrity and is less likely to engage in criminal acts that could destroy their future. Our youths should reject social vices and embrace education for a better tomorrow,” she said.

Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Professor Oyekunle Oyelami of the University of Lagos, also underscored the importance of combining academic learning with practical skills.

He explained that members of the Governing Council, drawn from different universities across the country, were committed to supporting the institution’s growth through voluntary service, mentorship and academic guidance.

Professor Oyelami noted that universities have three fundamental responsibilities—teaching, research and community service—adding that academics must continually contribute to societal development.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that Westland University becomes one of the highest-ranking universities in the world. The facilities here are world-class and compare favourably with those of many universities within and outside Nigeria.

“We invite young people across Nigeria and beyond to choose Westland University as a place where they can receive quality education, acquire practical skills and develop the capacity to make meaningful contributions to humanity,” he said.

The visit underscored Westland University’s commitment to strengthening its academic reputation while promoting skills development as a critical component of higher education, in line with increasing calls for graduates to become more innovative, employable and self-reliant.