Oduwole made the vow during her inauguration ceremony and welcome service which took place at Crowther Hall of university. The faith-based university is owned by the Anglican Communion.
Oduwole brings to the role an exceptional wealth of experience in university administration, spanning over 39 years of service in the Nigerian university system. The event was graced by many personalities, including Bishop Joseph Akinfenwa, Archbishop Olusina Fape, Prof. Dapo Asaju, Prof. Idowu Olayinka,and others.
Prof. Oduwole, who reeled out her ten-point agenda, said she would make the institution the most sought-after faith-based university in Nigeria. She added that the university will move to the next stage of growth. The first female VC of the university pledged that the institution would continue to raise Godly intellectuals. While stressing that her administration uphold Godly values, the VC said: ‘’There will be zero tolerance to cultism,sexual harassment and bullying among staff and students under my leadership’’.
The VC stated that prayer, teamwork,hard work,resilience, excellence, gender mainstreaming,Anglican ideals, and others would be the core values to observe under her leadership. She pledged to promote innovation by establishing a Research Management and Innovation Office. Oduwole stated that a new funding model would be developed, saying there would professorial chairs in all disciplines. The VC noted that she would enlarge the space of Ajayi Crowther University ventures, embark on holistic student growth, mentorship, spirituality, and entrepreneurship.
‘’I will lead by example and foster the cooperation of all university stakeholders. I will pursue excellence without compromise’’, she added.
She lauded the efforts of the past four VCs, and others who had contributed to the building the university.
Earlier, in his sermon, Archbishop Olusina Fape charged the new VC on faithfulness and accountability, urging her to seek divine wisdom to succeed in the assignment. Fape urged the VC to carry all the stakeholders along in her administration. The cleric also enjoined her to add value to the university and move it forward.
A former VC of the university, Prof. Dapo Asaju , prayed that the new VC would take the university to a greater height.
The Chairman of the council and Pro Chancellor of the University, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, who presented the authority of office and the letter of appointment to her, prayed for the success of the VC.
By Wuraola Oyedokun
