Wuraola Oyedokun
The new Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, has pledged to make the institution the most sought-after faith-based university in Nigeria.
Oduwole, the first female Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university, made the pledge during her inauguration as the fifth substantive of the university. The inauguration was held at a Crowther Hall of the institution.
Oduwole, who unveiled a 10-point agenda, succeeding Professor Timothy Abiodun Adebayo, whose tenure began in October 2020 and ended at the end of SeSeptember.T
he event was attended by government representatives, traditional rulers, clergy, academics, prominent Nollywood actors and actresses, students, and several other dignitaries.
Professor Oduwole, in her inaugural address, outlined a 10-point agenda that she described as “a roadmap to launch ACU into the next phase of hope and transformation.”
A seasoned academic and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (FNAL) pledged to run ACU on Christian and Anglican Church ideals, integrating prayer, faith, discipline, and ethical values into all aspects of teaching, learning, and leadership.
“There will be zero tolerance for cultism, sexual harassment, bullying, and all forms of misconduct among staff and students,” she declared.
Oduwole promised to uphold the university’s good image through discipline, accountability, and respect for due process, with academic matters as a top priority.
She reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining the full accreditation of ACU’s 12 faculties, unveiling plans to establish the long-envisioned Faculty of Clinical Sciences and Pharmacy.
“This will position ACU to address global health challenges, prepare our students for the future of work, and attract national and international research grants,” she said.
She also announced the introduction of digital learning programmes, including virtual courses, online certifications, and short-term professional programs aimed at broadening ACU’s academic reach.
Professor Oduwole announced the establishment of an Incubation and Innovation Hub to drive research, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving initiatives.
“We will strategically promote innovation, research, and technology by creating an enabling environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and industry partnerships,” she explained.
An Office Of Research And Innovation will be set up to coordinate projects, secure funding, and link the university to global research networks.
Recognising the urgent need for infrastructural expansion, she pledged to upgrade lecture halls, laboratories, and hostels across the campuses of the institution.
Professor Oduwole emphasised the importance of sustainable, solar-powered faculty buildings and promised a facelift for the four campuses.
To achieve this, she called on philanthropists, alumni, and public-private-partnerships (
Oduwole acknowledged that funding remains a major challenge for private universities across the country.
She promised to diversify the revenue streams of the institution through creative financial models, endowment funds, agricultural ventures, and professorial chairs across disciplines.
“We cannot rely solely on tuition fees. We must create a robust and sustainable funding base that secures ACU’s future,” she said.
The ACU VC reassured academic and non-academic staff of her commitment to welfare, capacity building, and timely promotions.
“There will be prompt payment of salaries, transparent appointments, and opportunities for staff to grow in research and service. We shall foster a culture of professional excellence that enhances ACU’s image,” she noted.
Students, she said, will remain at the centre of institution’s mission. She promised to improve hostel facilities, promote student leadership, strengthen mentorship, and ensure quick release of results and certificates.
“ACU must be an ideal environment for learning, character development, and holistic growth,” she ememphasised.
Professor Oduwole stressed the need for stronger collaboration between ACU, industry, government, and society, describing it as vital to solving real-world problems.
“Ajayi Crowther University must be a light to its host community and to Nigeria. We will engage parents, alumni, industry partners, and government to shape a university that serves society,” she pledged.
The vice-chancellor promised an open, accountable, and participatory leadership style, with functional committees and democratised decision-making.
“Management will strictly comply with global best practices and spiritual principles. I will engage stakeholders regularly to ensure ACU runs transparently and inclusively,” she assured.
Professor Oduwole called on all stakeholders, students, staff, parents, alumni, and partners, to unite with her administration.
“Together, by the grace of God, we shall write a new history for Ajayi Crowther University, one that will stand for generations to come.
“With God on our side, we will not only achieve these lofty goals but surpass them,” the new ACU VC declared.
, Oyo, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, has pledged to make the institution the most sought-after faith-based university in Nigeria.){kind=link}