Photos: Caleb University hosts education collaborative to strengthen institutional engagement

Caleb University, Lagos, has hosted a landmark “Education Collaborative” Open House Day designed to deepen institutional partnerships, research collaboration and academic innovation in the higher education sector. In his remark at the event, themed: “Strengthening Institutional Engagement,” the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, commended the Centre for Grants and Endowments for organising a programme that aligns with the institution’s vision for excellence, innovation and global engagement. “Caleb University will continue to support initiatives that deepen institutional collaboration and expand opportunities for research and academic growth. Strategic partnerships are critical for building resilient and globally competitive universities. Our goal is to ensure that our faculty and researchers benefit from networks that enhance knowledge exchange and innovation,” he stated. The event, according to a statement issued by the University’s Information, Media and Publication Specialist, Olawale Adekoya,” brought together academic leaders, institutional administrators and members of staff to explore opportunities provided by the Education Collaborative Network, particularly in the areas of research partnerships, grant acquisition, mentorship programmes and innovation-driven academic development. In her opening remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration), Prof. Adesola Ajayi, commended the organisers for championing an initiative that promotes collaboration and institutional advancement. She noted that universities must continuously explore innovative partnerships to remain globally competitive. “The Education Collaborative offers a unique opportunity for institutions to share ideas, strengthen research culture and build sustainable academic networks. It aligns perfectly with our vision of positioning Caleb University as a hub of innovation and research excellence. Through collaboration, institutions can collectively address the evolving challenges facing higher education,” the DVC noted. Delivering the keynote address, a member of the Education Collaborative Technical Committee for the West Africa Hub, Prof. Isaac Akinwumi, highlighted the growing challenges confronting higher institutions across different regions of the world. According to him, many of these challenges are region-specific, making collaborative and context-driven approaches essential for sustainable educational advancement. Prof. Akinwumi explained that the Education Collaborative operates through four regional hubs, each designed to respond to the peculiar needs of institutions within their respective regions while fostering cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing among universities.   In her remarks, the Director of the Centre for Grants and Endowments, Dr. Chinyere Ezeanya-Bakpa, noted that the Open House Day was organised to expose staff of Caleb University to the numerous opportunities available within the Education Collaborative network. “This initiative creates a pathway for faculty and staff to connect with global communities of practice and innovation-driven research platforms. It also provides access to grants, mentorship opportunities and collaborative projects that can strengthen institutional capacity. Our goal is to ensure that Caleb University fully maximises these opportunities for sustainable academic growth,” she explained. The programme also featured interactive sessions and panel discussions that examined best practices in grant acquisition, donor relations, institutional advancement and collaborative research frameworks, with participants engaging in robust exchanges on how universities can strengthen governance systems, promote transparency and increase research output.