MOUNTAIN TOP UNIVERSITY STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS FOR HOLISTIC STUDENTS’ DEVELOPMENT
Mountain Top University has reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence, moral discipline, and holistic students’ development through strategic engagement with parents aimed at strengthening collaboration in nurturing responsible future leaders.
The institution, under the leadership of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elijah Ayolabi, hosted a one-day interactive programme titled “Strengthening Collaboration Between MTU and Parents for Holistic Students’ Development and Excellent Parenting” on 29 May 2026 at the University Multipurpose Hall.
The well-attended programme brought together parents and guardians from different parts of Nigeria, creating an avenue for direct interaction between the University Management, members of staff, and parents on issues concerning students’ academic performance, spiritual growth, emotional well-being, leadership and career development, security, and character formation.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elijah Ayolabi, stated that Mountain Top University remains steadfast in its philosophy of holistic education, which continues to shape the institution’s operations and educational culture since its establishment.
According to him, the University’s vision transcends mere awarding of academic certificates, as the institution is committed to producing globally competitive graduates who possess sound intellectual capacity, exemplary moral values, leadership competence, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
Professor Ayolabi stressed that achieving this vision requires deliberate and responsible collaboration between parents and the University. He noted that the challenges confronting youths in contemporary society, including moral decadence, emotional instability, peer pressure, and social distractions, necessitate stronger parental involvement in students’ lives.
“Mountain Top University is not only interested in raising graduates but in nurturing responsible citizens who will positively transform society,” he said. “Parents and the University must therefore work together intentionally to guide students through the complexities of this generation.”
The Registrar of the University, Mr Olufemi Oyewole, while speaking on the mission and vision of the institution, described Mountain Top University as a centre of academic excellence founded on integrity, discipline, innovation, and Christian values.
According to him, spiritual activities constitute an essential aspect of campus life because the institution was established on Christian principles aimed at producing graduates with sound character and academic excellence.
“Mountain Top University is not a prayer centre; it is a faith-based academic institution where spirituality complements academic excellence,” he explained.
Also speaking at the programme, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Olanipekun Ojo, advised parents against placing excessive academic pressure on their children through unrealistic expectations and unhealthy competition.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining balance in students’ academic, social, and personal development, noting that university education should not focus solely on classroom performance but also on skills acquisition, leadership development, innovation, and social development.
Professor Ojo compared student life to a three-legged chair, explaining that academics should account for approximately 40 per cent of students’ time, skills development and personal growth should occupy about 35 per cent, while healthy social interactions should take the remaining 25 per cent.
According to him, maintaining this balance is crucial for raising well-rounded graduates capable of succeeding in life beyond the university environment.
The Dean further encouraged parents to redefine their understanding of success and begin engaging their children in more meaningful conversations about life, purpose, emotional well-being, and personal growth. He advised parents to support their children responsibly, encourage prudent financial habits, and remain emotionally available rather than becoming excessively controlling.
Other officers of the University, including the Chaplain and the Chief Security Officer, also addressed parents during the programme.
The Chaplain, Pastor Olumide Adesina, highlighted the importance of spirituality in the University’s culture and emphasised that students are expected to actively participate in chapel activities and spiritual programmes. He explained that spiritual discipline remains a major component of the University’s vision of raising morally upright graduates and warned that persistent violation of chaplaincy regulations attracts disciplinary sanctions.
Similarly, the Chief Security Officer assured parents that the institution has put in place adequate security architecture and operational measures to ensure the safety of students and staff within the campus environment. He, however, stressed that security and discipline cannot be achieved by the University alone, noting that parents remain the first agents of socialisation whose values and attitudes significantly influence students’ behaviour.
“Parents must complement the University’s efforts by instilling discipline, responsibility, integrity, and good moral values at home,” he stated.
The guest speaker at the event, Professor Monioluwa O. Olaniyi, delivered a powerful presentation that further reinforced the need for stronger collaboration between parents and educational institutions in raising responsible young adults. She commended Mountain Top University for its remarkable achievements and growing reputation within Nigeria’s higher education sector, particularly in the areas of quality education, discipline, innovation, and spiritual development.
Professor Olaniyi recalled that in 2024, the University was ranked as the best university in Nigeria for quality education by the Times Higher Education Ranking, describing the recognition as evidence of the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and transformational leadership. She also applauded the University’s vibrant spiritual atmosphere, especially the monthly MTU PRAYS programme, which brings together members of the University community for worship, prayer, and spiritual impartation. Addressing the University Management, she recommended developing a comprehensive parent handbook that outlines the institution’s ethos, regulations, values, and expectations to enhance parental understanding and involvement. She also advocated regular parents’ orientation programmes and the establishment of a structured parent-university partnership community to sustain parental participation in students’ holistic development. Speaking directly to parents, Professor Olaniyi emphasised the importance of godly upbringing and moral mentorship within the family structure. Quoting Proverbs 22:6, she urged parents to move beyond merely paying school fees and become intentionally involved in the emotional, moral, spiritual, and psychological development of their children.
According to her, children naturally reflect the values and behaviours they observe at home; therefore, parents must serve as positive role models who reinforce the principles of discipline, integrity, responsibility, and excellence promoted by the University. She further advised parents to allow their children to develop problem-solving abilities independently, noting that university students are young adults who must gradually learn accountability, resilience, and decision-making.
The programme also featured an interactive question-and-answer session anchored by Dr Promise Adiele. During the session, parents raised concerns and sought clarifications on various aspects of students’ welfare and university administration. Members of the University Management responded extensively to the questions and observations raised.
One of the major highlights of the event was a drama presentation titled “Holy Walls, Hidden Battles” performed by the University Drama Group. The presentation combined humour, creativity, and emotional storytelling to address the hidden struggles faced by many young people within academic and social environments while also teaching valuable life lessons.
The event was a success, as it provided parents with deeper insight into the vision, culture, and operational philosophy of Mountain Top University while also allowing the institution to listen to parents’ concerns and expectations. Ultimately, the programme reinforced Mountain Top University’s commitment to building a globally respected institution renowned for academic excellence, leadership training, character formation, innovation, spiritual growth, and the holistic development of students.