Redeemer’s University has reached a historic milestone with the elevation of 11 distinguished academics to the rank of professor, a development hailed as the largest single batch of professorial appointments in the institution’s history. The announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, during the Covenant Hour service on September 2, 2025. The appointments, he noted, had been duly ratified by the university council following the 61st Statutory Meeting of the Appointment and Promotion Committee (Academic Staff) held on August 26.
Prof. Akindele described the achievement as a moment of pride for Redeemer’s University and emphasized that the appointments reflected the institution’s growing commitment to academic excellence. He explained that the rigorous promotion process had been anchored on merit, with each candidate’s publications subjected to assessment by external scholars of international repute. According to him, this approach ensured transparency and credibility.
“One thing I am glad to say is this: before you become a professor, your publications are sent to external assessors. And I made up my mind that I was going to handle it personally,” the Vice-Chancellor said. He recalled that one assessor even commended the process for its fairness and objectivity, highlighting Redeemer’s University’s determination to uphold global academic standards.
Prof. Akindele further noted that the appointments were a reflection of the university’s high academic benchmarks. “The appointments are strong enough for me to vouch for the new professors anywhere. Congratulations. Thank you for making Redeemer’s University proud. Our standards are high,” he declared. His words reinforced the university’s resolve to maintain its reputation as a leading private institution in Nigeria.
The new professors represent a diverse range of disciplines that are central to the university’s academic structure. They include Professor M. O. Akporobaro (Business Administration & Marketing), Professor Semiu Alayande (Mathematics & Statistics), and four scholars in Mass Communication—Professors Bernice Sanusi, Omowale Adelabu, Felix Talabi, and Emmanuel Ifeduba. This breadth of expertise, according to observers, strengthens Redeemer’s University’s academic portfolio and its capacity to deliver high-quality education.
Other appointees are Professor Rasaki Dauda (Economics), Professor Oluwakemi Adesina (History & International Studies), Professors John Iwuh and Rantimi Julius-Adeoye (Theatre Arts), and Professor Olanrewaju Adesina (Mechanical Engineering). Collectively, the appointments signify a reinforcement of Redeemer’s University’s teaching and research capabilities across the humanities, social sciences, arts, and applied sciences.
The announcement has generated excitement within the Redeemer’s University community, with staff, students, and alumni celebrating the elevation of their lecturers to the highest rung of academic achievement. Many noted that the appointments would inspire younger academics to strive for excellence and motivate students to appreciate the value of scholarship. For the institution, the development positions it to expand its contributions to national and international research output.
In addition to celebrating the milestone, Prof. Akindele underscored the importance of sustaining Redeemer’s University’s reputation for integrity, objectivity, and global competitiveness. He explained that the professors were not only expected to maintain their scholarly contributions but also to mentor emerging academics and provide leadership in research, teaching, and community service.
The new appointments align with the Vice-Chancellor’s vision to move the university forward under the banner of #RUNExcellence and #RUNForward. By elevating a significant number of academics to professorship, Redeemer’s University has reinforced its determination to remain at the forefront of intellectual innovation in Nigeria’s private higher education sector.
Ultimately, the elevation of these 11 scholars symbolizes not just personal achievement but also institutional progress. Redeemer’s University has demonstrated that it is intentional about creating a culture of merit, rewarding excellence, and positioning itself as a hub of world-class research and teaching. With this bold step, the university continues to chart a course toward becoming a leading academic powerhouse both locally and internationally.
