The Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has announced the appointment of Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole as the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution. She becomes the first female to occupy the position in the university’s history.
The announcement was contained in an official statement issued by the university on Thursday and made available to PUNCH Online. The development followed the conclusion of the tenure of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Adebayo, whose five-year leadership of the institution will formally end at the close of this month.
At a special ceremony held on Wednesday after the Governing Council’s meeting, the Chairman of the Council and Pro-Chancellor of the university, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, described Adebayo as an exceptional and disciplined administrator whose tenure had significantly advanced the fortunes of the university despite Nigeria’s tough economic climate.
Okeowo highlighted that the external auditor’s report presented to the council confirmed “tremendous growth” across the institution under Adebayo’s leadership. He emphasized that such progress was particularly remarkable considering the macroeconomic challenges that had crippled several other institutions during the same period.
“Between the period that Prof. Adebayo became the Vice-Chancellor in 2020 and now, this university has witnessed tremendous growth. Most institutions that are not well managed or do not have someone very creative and disciplined at the helm are not likely to stand the economic storm we’ve had in this country. But Prof. Adebayo has been able to ensure yearly growth of this university. This is highly commendable,” Okeowo said.
He further noted that Adebayo’s achievements were not attained in isolation but through the collective dedication of the university’s management, principal officers, and staff. According to him, “a tree does not make a forest,” and the teamwork displayed by ACU’s leadership played a crucial role in driving the institution forward over the past five years.
The Pro-Chancellor also restated the Governing Council’s vision of positioning Ajayi Crowther University among the best-ranked institutions globally. “When we came on board, we had a clear goal that this university must be ranked among the best 1000 universities in the world. That objective still stands, and I am confident it can be achieved,” he affirmed.
Introducing the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, Okeowo called on all staff and stakeholders to extend their full cooperation and support to ensure her success in office. He added that Oduwole’s appointment was historic, as she would be the first woman to lead the faith-based university since its establishment.
“Let me use this opportunity to welcome the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Ebunoluwa Oduwole. She is making history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of this university. I am sure that you will give her the best cooperation so that she will excel in all ramifications. Support her also with your prayers,” Okeowo urged.
In his remarks, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and member of the Governing Council, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, described Adebayo’s leadership as a blessing to the institution. He stressed that the decision to appoint him five years ago had proven to be the right choice, given the academic and infrastructural strides recorded during his tenure.
“The choice of Adebayo was not a mistake but a blessing. Under his watch, the university has recorded several achievements in academic and infrastructural developments. It means God was with us while making the choice,” Aladekugbe stated.
Beyond infrastructural growth, Adebayo is also remembered for introducing innovative academic programmes, particularly the integration of the Mind Education initiative into ACU’s curriculum. Speaking at a three-day Mind Education Camp earlier in June, Adebayo described the programme as a “highly impactful initiative” that was already transforming students’ outlooks, equipping them with resilience, discipline, and a global perspective.
The programme, spearheaded by Professor Ronke Ogunmakin of the Faculty of Education and supported by a team of Mind Educators from South Korea, was lauded by the outgoing Vice-Chancellor as one of the most forward-looking interventions of his tenure, underscoring his commitment to both academic excellence and holistic student development.
As Ajayi Crowther University prepares for this new chapter, stakeholders and members of the academic community are hopeful that Professor Oduwole will not only build on her predecessor’s legacy but also blaze new trails that will further elevate the institution’s standing locally and internationally.
