LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AND FAITH: THE VICE-CHANCELLOR’S JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION AT FOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY

As Fountain University approaches the end of a remarkable administrative era, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayinka Ramota Karim, reflects on a journey marked by transformation, resilience, and faith. From securing full accreditation for key academic programmes to strengthening the institution’s spiritual identity, her tenure has been defined by a commitment to excellence and holistic development.

In this exclusive interview with Al-Fathu Magazine, the Vice Chancellor shed light on how the university, under her leadership, has not only expanded its academic capacity but also reinforced its identity as an Islamic faith-based institution, where intellectual growth goes hand in hand with moral and spiritual refinement. She equally shares insights into her achievements, challenges, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. Enjoy the read!

Q: As you approach the end of your tenure, what moments or achievements give you the greatest sense of fulfilment?

A: Peace be upon you. I am currently on the final lap of my tenure, which spans four years, and by the will of Allah, I will conclude on the 28th of February 2027. May Allah spare our lives beyond that day.

Many things give me a deep sense of fulfilment as the Vice-Chancellor of this university. If I am to highlight a few, I will start from the academic perspective. One of the most significant achievements is the full accreditation of all our programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

When I assumed office, programmes such as Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, and Environmental Science had no accreditation. Within a short period, we invited the NUC, and all the programmes received full accreditation. Their professional bodies also granted accreditation and even increased their admission quotas.

We also executed several infrastructural projects funded internally through the university’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), including the female hostel (AWA Ibrahim Hostel), a dedicated Medical Laboratory Science laboratory, the university’s perimeter fence, and the main access road.

On the spiritual side, I am particularly proud of establishing the Walimat Qur’an for our students, with three successful editions already held. We also initiated the Consortium of Islamic Faith-Based Universities, which has now grown into a national platform. These achievements bring me immense fulfilment.

Q: If given the opportunity for a second tenure, would you accept it?

A: Everything depends on the will of Allah. I never imagined becoming a Vice Chancellor in 2022, so I leave the future in His hands. If the opportunity comes and Allah will do it, I will accept it. I see this role as an act of worship and an opportunity to demonstrate that a Muslim woman can lead effectively.

Q: What legacy do you believe you are leaving behind, particularly within the Muslim students’ community?

A: The foremost legacy is the integration of academic excellence with spiritual development. At Fountain University, students are not only trained academically but are also given opportunities to grow spiritually.

This prepares them to face real-world challenges, not just as graduates, but as morally grounded individuals. We have supported several programmes by the Muslim Students’ Society and established the Centre for Spiritual Development and Moral Excellence to promote ethical values.

My goal is that every Fountainian leaves this university both academically sound and spiritually uplifted.

Q: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your leadership journey?

A: At the moment, I cannot point to anything I would have done differently. As a believer, I always commit my actions to Allah and seek His guidance. So, I believe everything I have done has been guided by Allah, and I am satisfied with the journey.

Q: How has this role shaped you personally, spiritually, and professionally?

A: Professionally, this role has been a major milestone. After becoming a professor, serving as Vice-Chancellor is one of the highest responsibilities one can attain in academia.

Spiritually, the challenges of leadership have strengthened me. I engage more in acts of worship such as fasting and night prayers. Leadership feels like continuous striving that requires reliance on Allah.

Personally, it has required sacrifices, especially time away from my family. At times, I feel that deeply, but Alhamdulillah, I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Q: How would you assess the role of the Muslim Students’ Society in nurturing the spiritual growth of students on campus?

A: I sincerely commend the Muslim Students’ Society for their excellent work. Your programmes are impactful and contribute greatly to students’ spiritual growth.

The Walimat Qur’an initiative, for example, is successful because of your efforts. You serve as mentors and guides to fellow students.

I also appreciate your involvement in ICT and professional development. This shows that participation in FUMSS enhances both academic and personal growth. I pray that Allah rewards you abundantly.

And I must take this opportunity to say something about your Ameer, Abiola Abdullah, who has been confidently certified as a chartered Accountant even before graduating. He has achieved remarkable professional success.

This should serve as a message to your colleagues that being actively involved in FUMSS and being dedicated to its activities does not deprive anyone of academic excellence. Rather, it provides an opportunity to develop oneself academically, physically, spiritually, morally, and professionally—as you have clearly demonstrated. So, I commend you. Thank you very much.

Q: What final message would you like to share with the entire Fountain University community as you conclude your tenure?

A: My message is that we must sustain and build on the progress we have made. Since 2023, we have improved significantly. We have digitised key processes such as student registration, hostel allocation, and result computation. We have also secured full accreditation for multiple programmes with excellent outcomes.

Now, the focus should be on maintaining and improving these achievements. Fountain University must continue to lead, as our slogan says: “Fountain leads, others follow.”

We must strive not only for local relevance but also for national and global recognition.

Q: If given the opportunity for a second tenure, would you accept it?

A: Everything depends on the will of Allah. I never imagined becoming a Vice Chancellor in 2022, so I leave the future in His hands. If the opportunity comes and Allah will do it, I will accept it. I see this role as an act of worship and an opportunity to demonstrate that a Muslim woman can lead effectively.