Salem University, Lokoja

Salem University
SU
MottoRaising Global Leaders
TypePrivate
Established2007
ChancellorDr. Sam Amaga
Vice-ChancellorAlewo Johnson Akubo
Location
Lokoja
,
Kogi State
,
Nigeria
CampusUrban
Colours  
Blue, Purple
Websitesalemuniversity.edu.ng


Salem University, Lokoja is a privately owned university located in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. The institution was founded by Archbishop Sam Amaga, the president of Salem International Christian Center in 2007. [1] [2] [3] The University has vision of producing graduate with sound knowledge and spiritual body of leadership to contribute to global impact.[2]

History

Salem University is a private Christian university located in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. The institution was founded by Nigerian cleric and televangelist Archbishop Sam Amaga, the founder of Salem International Christian Centre.[4]

The university received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2007 as part of the expansion of private university education in Nigeria.[5]

Since its establishment, the university has focused on integrating academic excellence with moral discipline and entrepreneurial training. Salem University emphasises leadership development and spiritual formation as part of its educational philosophy.

The institution is situated in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, a historic city located at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers.

Administration and Governance

The governance structure of Salem University consists of a Chancellor, Governing Council and the university management team. The Chancellor serves as the ceremonial head of the institution, while the Governing Council provides policy direction and oversight.

The Vice-Chancellor is the chief academic and administrative officer responsible for the day-to-day operations of the university.

List of Vice-Chancellors

Vice-Chancellors of Salem University
Vice-Chancellor Tenure
Prof. Simon M. Irtwange 2007–2012
Prof. Alewo Johnson-Akubo 2012–2016
Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu 2016–2020
Prof. Alewo Johnson-Akubo 2020–present

Other officers

  • Deans of Colleges
  • Director of Works
  • Director of Academic Planning Unit
  • Director of Quality Assurance and Academic Standard
  • Director Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies
  • Deputy Registrar
  • Head of Departments

Academic programmes

Salem University offers Bachelor's degrees in three colleges offering degrees in computer science, information technology, natural and applied sciences, management, and social sciences. It does not offer post-graduate degrees.[6]

Faculties and departments

Salem University operates a faculty-based academic system consisting of departments that offer undergraduate programmes in science, technology, management and social sciences. These programmes are approved and accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).[7]

Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences provides education and research training in the physical and life sciences. Programmes offered include:

  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology

The faculty emphasises laboratory-based teaching and research, particularly in biotechnology, computing and environmental science.[8]

Faculty of Management and Social Sciences

The Faculty of Management and Social Sciences offers programmes aimed at developing managerial, entrepreneurial and leadership skills.

Departments include:

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Political Science
  • Mass Communication

The faculty focuses on preparing graduates for careers in business, government, media and international organisations.[9]

Faculty of Information and Communication Technology

The Faculty of Information and Communication Technology focuses on training students in computing, software development and digital technology.

Programmes offered include:

  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology

The faculty promotes digital innovation, programming skills and research in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics.[10]

Medicine /Engineering college

On the 22 of November 2022, during the pre convocation brief, The vice chancellor made it known to the public about readiness in launching there college of medicine, Engineering and agriculture into the university.[11]

Campus

The University is situated on its only campus in Jimgbe, Lokoja, where all its academic activities take place. All undergraduate students also reside here.

Convocation ceremonies

Salem University holds periodic convocation ceremonies for the award of undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees and honorary doctorates. The events celebrate graduating students and recognise distinguished individuals for their contributions to society.

Convocation ceremonies of Salem University
Convocation Year Notes
1st 2013 First set of graduates of the university
2nd 2015 Award of undergraduate degrees and honorary awards
3rd 2017 Expansion of academic programmes and increased graduates
4th 2019 Recognition of outstanding graduates and honorary doctorate recipients
5th 2022 Post-pandemic convocation ceremony held for graduating students
6th 2024 Recent convocation ceremony celebrating academic achievements

The ceremonies usually include a convocation lecture delivered by distinguished scholars or public figures, the conferment of degrees, and the presentation of awards for academic excellence.[12]

Rankings

In the 2025 EduRank university rankings, Salem University was ranked:

  • 146th in Nigeria
  • 602nd in Africa
  • 10,684th in the world.[13]

These rankings evaluate universities based on research output, non-academic reputation and alumni influence.

References

  1. ^ Salem University. "History of Salem University". Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  2. ^ a b Salem University. "Vision". Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  3. ^ Salem University. "Values". Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  4. ^ "About Salem University". Salem University. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
  5. ^ "Private Universities in Nigeria". National Universities Commission. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
  6. ^ Jimoh, Yekini (2023-03-22). "NUC accredits 7 courses in Salem University, Lokoja". Nigerian Tribune. Retrieved 2023-09-18.
  7. ^ "Salem University Academic Programmes". Salem University. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
  8. ^ "Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences". Salem University. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
  9. ^ "Faculty of Management and Social Sciences". Salem University. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
  10. ^ "Faculty of ICT". Salem University. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
  11. ^ "Salem University to start medicine, engineering courses - Daily Trust". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2023-09-18.
  12. ^ "Salem University Convocation Ceremony". Salem University. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
  13. ^ "Salem University Rankings". EduRank. Retrieved 7 March 2026.

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