Overview and History of Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Apapa, Lagos State

 
In an era defined by rapid technological change, innovation and global competition, higher education institutions play an increasingly critical role in preparing tomorrow’s workforce. The Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM), based in Apapa, Lagos State, represents a deliberate response to that challenge. Founded with the vision of developing skilled leaders in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and management, NUTM is positioned not simply as a traditional university, but as a forward-looking institution engineered for Africa’s evolving needs. 

The importance of such a mission in Nigeria cannot be overstated: as one of Africa’s largest and youngest populations, Nigeria faces the dual tasks of equipping its youth with relevant skills and retaining talent that might otherwise seek opportunities abroad. NUTM’s emphasis on technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and global competitiveness places it squarely in this space. 

Located in the vibrant commercial district of Apapa in Lagos State, the university benefits from proximity to industry, commerce and global connections — key elements when your aim is to blend academic rigour with practical, real-world relevance. Whether you are a prospective student evaluating your university options, a parent or guardian supporting a young adult, or an external stakeholder keen on the evolution of higher education in Nigeria, this article will walk you through NUTM’s official website, motto, founder, history, leadership, accreditation, academic structure and facilities, campus life, and even the very early footprint of its alumni.

##Official Website
The official website of NUTM is https://nutm.edu.ngOn this platform a visitor will find an overview of the university’s mission and vision, programme offerings (undergraduate, postgraduate, executive), admissions procedures, faculty highlights and contact information. For those seeking more detailed information — such as specific entry requirements, fees or course modules — the site serves as the authoritative first port of call.

##Motto
The university’s guiding phrase is: “In Africa, For Africa, and the World.” This motto reflects a dual orientation: one that is rooted in Africa’s unique context, challenges and opportunities; and one that looks beyond—to global relevance and impact. In other words: the institution seeks to serve the African continent first, but not be constrained by it — aiming to compete on the world stage. The wording conveys a sense of mission, belonging and ambition.

##Founder
While a single “founder” name is less publicly emphasised, key leadership identifies Okechukwu Enelamah as the co-founder and Chairman of the Governing Board of NUTM. 
Enelamah—former Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment—was central in conceiving the university’s model of higher education tailored for African transformation. 

In addition, the appointment of Babs Jolayemi Omotowa as founding President (effective April 25, 2022) is widely reported. 

Thus, NUTM emerges from a partnership of visionary educational, technological and business-leaders committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry.

##History
NUTM is a relatively young institution, introduced in response to shifting global and African educational demands. Officially established in 2019, the university was conceived as a private higher-education institution focused on STEM and management disciplines. 

From its early phase, NUTM emphasised innovation in its model — for example launching the “NUTM Scholars Program (NSP)”, a one-year interdisciplinary postgraduate initiative that preceded full undergraduate programmes. 

Originally operating from a temporary campus in Apapa, Lagos—at 6 Freetown Road—NUTM began its operations with a strong orientation towards global faculty, industry mentorship, entrepreneurship labs and hands-on learning experiences. 

In January 2025, NUTM celebrated its inaugural undergraduate matriculation ceremony, welcoming the first cohort of full undergraduate students into its STEM and technology-oriented programmes. 

Such a timeline underscores the fact that NUTM is not decades old, but is emerging and building quickly — giving early adopters the opportunity to be part of a foundational era. The advantages of this are multiple: potential for modern facilities, a culture of experimentation, and a clear-cut identity. At the same time, prospective students should assess how the institution develops its track record, graduate outcomes and reputation over coming years. In sum, NUTM’s history to date tells a story of ambition, design and the bridging of higher education with the demands of technology, entrepreneurship and African development.

##Chancellor 
In the case of NUTM, the publicly emphasised senior leadership role is the Founding President—Dr Babs J. Omotowa — rather than a traditional Chancellor figure. 

Dr Babs Jolayemi Omotowa:
He has more than 25 years of experience across the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway and Nigeria, holding senior executive positions. 

Born into a family of educators, he formerly served as Global President of the UK Institute of Procurement and Supply in London. 

His industry background includes serving as CEO/Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), where he reportedly led the company to become one of the highest corporate tax-paying organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa during his tenure.

At NUTM his role is to provide strategic leadership, execute the university’s vision and develop an institution that blends technology, entrepreneurship and management education for Africa. 
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In short, Dr Omotowa brings an industry-leadership orientation to the role—an approach that aligns with NUTM’s emphasis on real-world relevance, technology and enterprise.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation and regulatory recognition are essential for any credible institution of higher learning. For NUTM:

The university is listed on the approved degree-granting institutions list of the National Universities Commission (NUC). 

It formally celebrated its first undergraduate matriculation in January 2025. 

The university’s website emphasises that its programs (undergraduate, postgraduate, executive) are designed with industry focus and global competencies in mind. 

All of this suggests that NUTM is properly authorised, operating in line with regulatory requirements and is moving to establish its recognition. As with any emerging institution, prospective students should continue to monitor accreditation of specific programmes, employer acceptance of degrees, and alumni outcomes as part of their decision-making.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
NUTM offers a modern academic structure and facilities designed to support its vision. Below are key components:

Academic Structure
Undergraduate Programmes: The institution offers Bachelor’s degrees in areas like Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology. 

Postgraduate Programmes: Master’s level programmes include MBA (Leadership, Technology & Entrepreneurship), MSc Software Engineering, MSc Data Science. 

Executive Education Programmes: For working professionals, NUTM offers short-cycle programmes focusing on leadership, design thinking, entrepreneurship and technology. 

Global Faculty and Industry Mentorship: The university emphasises teaching by faculty from globally renowned institutions plus structured mentorship and internships through its “Shadow a Leader” and “TEDLab” initiatives. 

Entrepreneurship & Capstone Projects: The academic model includes hands-on venture creation, industry projects and immersive experiences to bridge theory and practice. 

Career Development & Placement Support: The institution explicitly builds in career-centre support, workplace-ready toolkits and alignment with industry to enhance graduate employability. 

Facilities
Although detailed facility inventories are still emerging given the institution’s recency, the university advertises:

A modern campus site in Apapa (6 Freetown Road) with technology-enabled classrooms and infrastructure. 

ICT-rich learning environment with digital backbone to support STEM education and entrepreneurship. 

Laboratories and project spaces (as part of the STEM orientation) to enable hands-on learning in software, data science, cybersecurity. 

Entrepreneurial incubator-like environment through the TEDLab and shadow-leadership arrangements, enabling students to build ventures. 

Proximity to industry and commercial zones (Apapa being a major logistics and business hub) which enhances opportunities for internships, partnerships and practical exposure.

A campus culture that emphasises mentorship, innovation and global outlook — which while a ‘facility’ in broader terms, is part of the educational ecosystem NUTM promotes.

Together, the academic structure and facilities at NUTM point to a modern, focused institution aiming for relevance and impact rather than simply replicating older models of higher education.


##Campus Life and Facilities
Campus life at NUTM is built around its Apapa location (6 Freetown Road, Apapa, Lagos) and a broader ethos of entrepreneurship, technology, student-engagement and global readiness. 

Key aspects of student life include:

Entrepreneurial culture: Through its TEDLab and hackathon-style initiatives, students are encouraged not just to learn, but to build ventures, collaborate on real-world problems and engage with mentorship from industry leaders. 

Industry links: Being in Lagos and close to business and port activities, the campus affords access to corporate engagements, visits, internships and practical exposure, which helps bring academic work alive.

Global orientation: With faculty drawn from top global institutions, emphasis on international exposures, and executive education programmes, the campus culture aims to be forward-looking and globally competitive. 

Technology-enabled learning: Given its STEM focus, the campus infrastructure stresses modern learning spaces, ICT resources, labs, project work and a digital mindset.

Student support & community: While more specific details (such as hostels, clubs, sports) are less visible publicly given the institution’s youth, it emphasises mentorship, placement and career support — which are key parts of a supportive campus experience.

Location advantage: Apapa is a dynamic and connected part of Lagos, enabling students access to city amenities, business opportunities, and networks that extend beyond campus into the larger ecosystem