Overview and History of Sam Maris University, Ondo

 
In the scenic and historically rich Akoko region of Ondo State lies a new beacon of higher education — Sam Maris University (SMU). While Nigeria hosts many private universities, SMU distinguishes itself with a clear, outward-looking vision: to blend knowledge, innovation and opportunity within a serene, rural-town setting. For local students in Akoko South West and beyond, this means access to tertiary education closer to home, yet with modern facilities and global outlook. For those from other states, SMU offers the chance to join a pioneering cohort at a fresh institution, where students can help shape the culture, traditions and legacy of the university rather than simply joining an already-settled campus. What stands out is the humanised dimension of SMU: the founder’s story, the intention to serve the 21st-century labour market, and the emphasis on entrepreneurship, ICT-driven learning and character formation. In an era where many graduates face under-employment, SMU’s focus on “job-creators rather than job-seekers” resonates strongly. Moreover, the university’s setting at Km 2, Etioro-Afaa Road, Supare-Akoko allows for a peaceful environment—free from the distractions of larger urban campuses—while still offering modern lecture theatres, labs, hostels and digital infrastructure. Prospective students can thus expect to engage in rigorous academic programmes, build social networks, and develop leadership and practical skills within a community-oriented institution.

In the following sections we’ll explore the official website, motto, founder, history, leadership, accreditation, academic structure & facilities, campus life and the nascent but promising alumni dimension of SMU. Whether you’re a prospective student, parent or education stakeholder, this post offers an informative and human-centred portrait of the university.

##Official Website
The official portal of Sam Maris University is www.smu.edu.ngOn the website you’ll find information on admission requirements, programme lists, the university’s philosophy, contact details and news updates regarding matriculation and infrastructure. The website gives a good first impression of the institution’s modern orientation.

##Motto
The university carries the motto: “Liberty, Truth, Knowledge.” This succinct phrase captures the ethos SMU hopes to instil in its students: freedom of thought (liberty), a commitment to honesty and integrity (truth), and the pursuit of academic and practical understanding (knowledge). It reflects an aspiration to develop learners who are not only academically competent but also ethical and empowered for life and society.

##Founder
The founder of Sam Maris University is Samuel Tomi Ologunorisa, SAN, FCIArb (UK). 

He is a seasoned legal practitioner—with credentials such as LLB (Hons) from University of Lagos (1986), BL from Nigerian Law School (1987), a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from Jesus College, Oxford (2014), and a Certificate in Negotiation & Leadership from Harvard Law School (2015). 

Mr Ologunorisa’s professional experience, his dedication to education, philanthropy and human capital development form the foundation of SMU’s mission. According to reports, he emphasises that education remains the surest route to a brighter future for youth in Nigeria. 

##History
Sam Maris University is among the newer private universities in Nigeria, licensed to operate in 2023. According to the National Universities Commission (NUC) bulletin, SMU (Supare, Ondo State) was granted its operational licence under the mentoring relationship in 2023. 

Key milestones:
May 15 2023: SMU was granted operational licence by the Federal Government to commence academic activities.

June 2023: The university rolled out its admission process for the 2023/2024 session with two initial faculties (Social & Management Sciences, Computing & Environmental Sciences). 

By early 2025, the university matriculated its first students (270 students in one reported ceremony) and awarded scholarships to pioneer students. 

From its inception, SMU has emphasised an ICT-driven, entrepreneurship-oriented curriculum, and the goal of producing graduates equipped not just with degrees but with skills and character to contribute meaningfully. In its first take-off phase, the university offered 18 courses across two faculties in its first four years.

Though its history is brief compared to established institutions, the early years of SMU show significant infrastructure investment, clear vision and early student intake — giving it a promising trajectory.

##Chancellor
While publicly available information identifies the Vice-Chancellor, SMU’s Chancellor (Visitor role) is less clearly documented in publicly accessible sources. The Vice-Chancellor is Francis Ayodeji Gbore, who serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the university. 

Brief biography of Prof. Gbore:
Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. 

Held roles such as Acting Head of Department of Animal Science, Acting Head of Department of Environmental Biology & Fisheries, and Acting Director of Industrial Training Unit at AAUA. 

He is an alumnus of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi and the University of Ibadan; served as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Universiti Sains Malaysia. 

A registered Animal Scientist and Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria (FCAI) — signalling a multidisciplinary and management-oriented background. 

His appointment signals SMU’s determination to build strong academic leadership from the off-set.


##Accreditation and Recognition
SMU has been licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to operate as a private university. 

The university’s opening admission process was reported shortly after licence approval in 2023. 

The mentoring relationship is recorded: SMU is under the mentoring arrangement (as a newly licensed institution) with the mentor university referenced in NUC’s bulletin. 

Prospective students should of course verify accreditation status of specific programmes (e.g., professional bodies for Law, Nursing, etc.) as the institution grows.

##Academic Structure and Facilities
Although SMU is early in its lifecycle, it has already developed a credible academic structure and modern facilities. Here are key aspects:

Faculties/Programmes – At launch, SMU offered two main faculties: 

Faculty of Social & Management Sciences

Faculty of Computing & Environmental Sciences


##Campus Life and Facilities
While SMU is still developing its full campus life offerings (as is typical for newly established universities), several indicators show promising features:

The campus setting in Supare-Akoko offers a quieter, more focused learning environment compared to mega-urban universities.

Facilities such as hostels, sports field, library, health centre and cafes suggest students will have access to residential life and support services. 

Emphasis on entrepreneurship and skill-building means extracurricular opportunities might include innovation hubs, incubation activities, workshops and student-led enterprises.

Management statements emphasise character formation and community engagement, which suggests social/clubs/volunteer life will be intentionally developed.

Because SMU is new, students have the unique opportunity to shape campus culture, student associations, traditions and campus governance.

The architecture of the campus (Senate Building, Academic Blocks, labs & studios) is already modern, enhancing the student experience of a contemporary institution rather than aged infrastructure.