Overview and History of Atiba University Oyo

 
Nestled in the historic town of Oyo in Oyo State, Atiba University offers a contemporary private-university experience grounded in character, knowledge and self-reliance. Established in December 2017, the institution emerged at a time when Nigeria’s higher-education sector is under increasing pressure to deliver not only degrees but graduates who can think, create, adapt and contribute meaningfully to society. What makes Atiba University distinct is its clear emphasis on education for knowledge, character and self-reliance—a triad that speaks to both academic rigour and personal development.In a region known for deep cultural heritage and a significant educational tradition, the university seeks to position itself not merely as a competitor but as a partner in progress—responding to local, national and global demands. The institution’s philosophy emphasises transferable skills, community service and innovation, reflecting the belief that universities today must prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. 

Prospective students, parents and stakeholders will appreciate that Atiba University offers the intimacy and commitment of a private institution, yet with ambition and scope. Located just outside town (Km 5, Oyo-Iseyin Road, Oyo Township) the setting provides an environment that is accessible yet relatively serene—conducive to study and growth. Throughout this article, we will walk through key aspects of the university: its website, motto, founder, history, leadership (including chancellor), accreditation and recognition, academic structure and facilities, campus life and, where available, notable alumni. The aim is to provide a humanised, informative and professional overview of Atiba University to help you judge whether it aligns with your goals.

##Official Website
The official website of Atiba University is https://atibauniversity.edu.ng/ On the site you’ll find detailed information about admissions (both UTME and direct entry), faculties and departments, programmes, student life (including dress code and student portal), news updates, and contacts for campus offices. The site serves as a good starting point for anyone considering the institution—providing admission criteria, programme lists and policy information.

##Motto
Atiba University encapsulates its guiding ethos in the phrase: “Education for Knowledge, Character and Self-reliance.” 

Knowledge: emphasising academic excellence and mastery of one’s discipline.

Character: emphasising moral integrity, responsibility, service and ethical leadership.

Self-reliance: emphasising the ability to think critically, act independently, create solutions and engage with society rather than simply receive credentials.

This motto reflects the institution’s ambition to produce graduates who are not just academically equipped, but personally grounded and socially ready.

##Founder
The founder (also President) of Atiba University is James Adesokan Ojebode, Ph.D., JP, ALA (CSN). 

Brief biography:

Born 14 April 1957, hails from Oyo Town, Oyo State. 

Educational qualifications include: BA (Hons) Education/Yoruba, PGD in Computer Science and Accountancy/Finance, MBA (Banking & Finance), M.Sc Finance, Ph.D Strategic Studies. 

Member / Fellow of numerous professional bodies: Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI), African Business School (FABS), Institute of Cost and Management Accountants (FCMA), Chartered Institute of Commerce of Nigeria (FCIN), etc. 

Dr. Ojebode’s vision in establishing the university centres on creating an institution capable of addressing Nigeria’s developmental needs—especially in agriculture, education and national human-capacity building. For example, he has spoken publicly about offering tuition-free courses in agriculture and education to respond to pressing national needs. 

##History
Atiba University’s journey began with its official licensing: the National Universities Commission (NUC) registered the institution on 6 December 2017 and issued its provisional operating licence on 19 December 2017. 

The university was formally established to serve as “both a repository creator and a disseminator of knowledge in a world where resources of knowledge will increasingly predominate our material resources as factors of economic growth and national development.” From its early days, Atiba University emphasised a philosophy rooted in pragmatic egalitarianism—seeking to blend access, relevance and excellence. The mission emphasises lifelong transformative learning, transferable skills, values and community service. 

In its first six years of operation, the university reported graduating 197 students across different faculties, including 23 in Nursing Science, and achieved first-class honours for five of them. The university also established a Centre for Yoruba Language and Culture to deepen local relevance and cultural scholarship. Additional milestones include signing a partnership with the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife for a five-year mentoring plan on academic and administrative development. 

Atiba continues to expand its faculties—covering Agriculture, Health Sciences, Law, Social & Management Sciences, Natural & Applied Sciences, Education—and to build its infrastructure and accreditation profile. It aims to be both rooted locally (in Oyo) and responsive globally. As the founder noted, the university is meant to be a “factory of leaders” who will use knowledge, character and skill to confront Nigeria’s challenges. 
Nigeria World

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of Atiba University is Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, Ph.D., CON. 

Brief biography:

A distinguished traditional and academic figure, the Emir of Keffi in Nasarawa State.

Holds a Ph.D and national honours (CON).

His investiture as Chancellor took place at the university’s 3rd Convocation and symbolic ceremonies. 

As Chancellor, he provides ceremonial leadership, representation and strategic stature—helping position Atiba University in national educational networks and instilling confidence in its governance.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation is central for quality assurance, and Atiba University has recorded several notable achievements:

The Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria granted full accreditation to the Bachelor of Nursing Science programme. 

Approval granted for the commencement of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science through the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. 
The Nation Newspaper

The NUC approved accreditation for 17 academic programmes (in 2021)—including Nursing Science; Medical Laboratory Science; B.Sc Microbiology; Biochemistry; Computer Science; Physics; Chemistry; Mathematics; Accounting; Banking & Finance; Economics; Business Administration; Sociology; Political Science; Criminology & Security Studies; Psychology; B.A English Language. 

These recognitions indicate that Atiba University is actively aligning its programmes with national regulatory requirements and expanding its professional offerings.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
Atiba University offers a structured academic environment backed by various facilities. Below are six key features:

Faculties & Departments
The website lists faculties including: 

Arts

Social & Management Sciences

Natural & Applied Sciences

Allied Health Sciences

Law

Agriculture

Education. 


##Campus Life and Facilities
Student life at Atiba University blends academic focus, value climate and community engagement:

Location & Accessibility: Campus address at Km 5 Oyo-Iseyin Road, PMB 1077, Oyo Township, Oyo State. Accommodation & Residence: The university’s structure and policies indicate residential support though specific hostel details are less publicly documented—students should enquire directly.

Dress Code & Student Conduct: The website includes a dress-code policy for male and female students, underlining the institution’s emphasis on character and presentation. Health & Service Campaigns: Students in the Faculty of Health Sciences participated in community health campaigns on HIV/AIDS, malaria, and medical check-ups in Oyo town—showing practical engagement beyond lectures. 

Student Support Systems: Portal systems for transcript requests, distance-learning segments, and liaison offices across Nigeria suggest the university supports both local and non-traditional students. 

Extracurricular & Culture: Through its cultural centre and partnerships, the university encourages students to engage with Yoruba language/culture and opportunities beyond the classroom. 

Overall, campus life appears to reflect the university’s values: structured, morally conscious, engaged with community, and equipped for modern learning.