The Havilahgiyon College of Health, Vocational Studies, Fisheries, and Horticulture has inaugurated its first Governing Council in a landmark ceremony aimed at strengthening leadership and charting a new course for vocational and health education in Nigeria.
Themed “Where Skills Meet Purpose and Dreams Find Direction,” the event brought together distinguished guests, faculty members, industry stakeholders, and members of the press to witness what was described as a transformative step in the college’s history.
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Delivering his inaugural address shortly after taking the oath, the Governing Council Chairman, Engr. Dr. Yakubu Muhammed expressed deep appreciation for the members’ willingness to serve, describing the new council as the “strategic compass that will provide direction, oversight, and wisdom to help the college grow and thrive.”
He highlighted the council’s mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, advance academic excellence, promote sustainable development, and empower students to turn aspirations into tangible achievements.
“We are committed to championing student success, supporting continuous faculty development, strengthening industry partnerships, and deepening community engagement,” the Chairman stated.
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He further emphasised the college’s focus on sustainable development through practical solutions, including renewable energy adoption, sustainable agriculture, effective waste management, environmental conservation, and support for local businesses.
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In her address themed “Sowing Seeds of Skill, Reaping the Future,” Provost of the college, Dr. Mercy Akeredolu, described the inauguration as “the laying of a cornerstone for a dream and a launchpad for transformative, skill-based education.”
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“Havilahgiyon College was born with a vision to empower individuals with practical skills that transform them into creators of opportunities, not just seekers. We are raising a generation of doers and change agents who can design fashion lines, manage sustainable farms, promote wellness, and turn raw passion into thriving enterprises,” Dr. Akeredolu said.
She commended the newly inaugurated council members as “the first fruits of a noble vision,” noting that vocational education represents “a path of dignity, value, and boundless possibility.
Dr. Akeredolu also stressed that the success of any institution is not measured by its structures but by “the quality of minds and hands it produces,” adding that the college is dedicated to nurturing potentials, shaping destinies, and fostering national development through skill-based learning.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Pioneer of the College, Professor John Oluwatosin Adeyemi, emphasised that Havilahgiyon College of Health, Vocational Studies, Fisheries, and Horticulture is uniquely positioned to provide 100% practical training for its students. This far exceeds the Federal Government’s benchmark of 80% practical and 20% theory, reaffirming the College’s commitment to hands-on, industry-driven education that equips trainees with real-world skills.
Prof. Adeyemi pointed out that the new governing council will play a pivotal role in providing direction, oversight, and the wisdom needed to help the College to help us grow and thrive.
The inauguration concluded with a charge to council members and stakeholders to faithfully sow seeds of commitment and innovation to ensure a fruitful harvest of success and impact for the institution and its students.
