Prof Ebunoluwa Oduwole ACU Vice Chancellor appointment marks a historic first as she succeeds Prof Adebayo at Ajayi Crowther University

Prof Ebunoluwa Oduwole ACU Vice Chancellor appointment has been formally announced by the Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. She succeeds Prof Timothy Adebayo, whose successful five-year tenure ends this September.

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The announcement was made during a council meeting held on Wednesday, followed by a formal statement released by the university.

With this appointment, Prof Oduwole makes history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

Speaking at a celebratory event held in honour of the outgoing VC, Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor, Dr Olutoyin Okeowo, praised Prof Adebayo’s tenure as one of exceptional growth and stability, despite Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“Between the period that Prof Adebayo became Vice-Chancellor in 2020 and now, this University has witnessed tremendous growth,” Okeowo said. “He has ensured yearly progress at a time when economic conditions have been anything but favourable. That is no small feat.”

The council chairman extended gratitude to the entire university staff, recognising that Adebayo’s success was the result of strong teamwork and leadership.

In introducing the incoming VC, Okeowo emphasised the importance of continuity and institutional support.

“Prof Mrs Ebunoluwa Oduwole is making history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of this University. I’m confident she will receive your full cooperation and prayers to succeed in her tenure,” he stated.

The Archbishop of Ibadan Province and governing council member, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, also commended Adebayo’s leadership, describing his appointment five years ago as a divinely guided decision that yielded lasting impact.

Under Adebayo’s leadership, Ajayi Crowther University saw major strides in both academic excellence and infrastructural development.

His recent endorsement of the Mind Education programme, integrated into the university’s curriculum, was lauded for its global relevance and positive impact on students.

Speaking in June, Prof Adebayo had called the initiative “highly impactful,” noting its success in building emotional intelligence and resilience among students through collaboration with international educators from South Korea.

As Prof Oduwole takes over the reins, expectations are high that she will build on the firm foundation laid by her predecessor and advance the university’s vision of becoming one of the top 1,000 institutions globally.

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The Governing Council reaffirmed its commitment to that goal and expressed confidence in Oduwole’s capacity to deliver on it.