The newly appointed Visitor to Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Most Rev. Dr Michael Olusina Fape, has pledged to support efforts to make the institution a first-choice destination for students seeking academic excellence and sound moral values.
Fape, who also chairs the Supra-Diocesan Board West of the Anglican Church, outlined his priorities in an interview with ACU Media, calling for stronger cooperation among the university’s proprietors, governing council, management, staff, students and alumni.
The Archbishop, who succeeds Most Rev. Dr Joseph Akifenwa, said his focus would be on consolidating the achievements of previous administrations while supporting academic development and preserving the institution’s Christian identity.
“I’m only coming in to build on what my predecessors have done,” he said.
He described his appointment as an opportunity to contribute his academic experience, spiritual leadership and entrepreneurial knowledge to the university’s advancement.
Fape stressed that progress would require a shared commitment from everyone involved in the institution’s ownership, governance and administration.
“A tree does not make a forest,” he said, explaining that he would encourage effective communication between the university’s proprietors and management.
He also identified academic quality as a central priority, saying teaching and research must receive the support necessary for staff and students to excel.
“A university without a sound academic programme is no university,” he said.
The Visitor commended Vice-Chancellor Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Olutoyin Okeowo, for their leadership.
He cited what he described as progress on accreditation for Medicine and Pharmacy programmes, alongside the expansion of the Faculty of Law, as indications of the institution’s development.
“When you have dynamic leaders, the organisation will also be dynamic,” Fape said.
He expressed optimism that ACU could emerge among Nigeria’s five best private universities by the end of Oduwole’s tenure if the current pace of development was sustained.
Fape also called for stronger alumni involvement, identifying the forthcoming November convocation as an opportunity to encourage graduates to support the university’s projects.
He is expected to preside over the ceremony for the first time as Visitor.
On infrastructure, the Archbishop expressed satisfaction with the blessing of the university chapel on October 17, 2026, and called for its completion before October 2027.
“I want to see it fully completed in the next one year — before October 2027,” he said.
He disclosed that the LAIBONK Anglican Clergy Welfare Foundation, which he chairs, had provided substantial financial support for the project.
Fape said the chapel would support worship and spiritual development, adding that the university’s educational mission should combine intellectual achievement with moral responsibility.
He urged members of the university community to maintain peaceful relationships and pledged regular communication with management to help address institutional needs.
The Archbishop expressed confidence that cooperation among the proprietors, council, management and wider university community would enable ACU to build on its achievements and strengthen its reputation.
