By Wuraola Oyedokun
Immediate past Acting Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Professor Oyesoji Aremu, has described the Cred 360 Excellence in Educational Leadership Award presented to him by Cred 360 Media Ltd as a renewed call to selfless service, saying the recognition has strengthened his resolve to make greater contributions to humanity.
Aremu, a renowned Professor of Counselling Psychology and Criminal Justice, said the honour came as a pleasant surprise and would remain a constant reminder that true leadership is measured not by the offices one occupies but by the positive impact made on people’s lives.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award at a cocktail reception marking the completion of his eight-month tenure as Acting Vice-Chancellor, he expressed heartfelt appreciation to Cred 360 Media Ltd for finding him worthy of the recognition.
“When I was first informed about the award, I honestly wondered whether I deserved such recognition. I sincerely appreciate Cred 360 Media Ltd for considering me worthy of the honour,” he said.
The professor noted that the award transcends personal recognition, describing it as an encouragement to continue serving with humility, dedication and integrity wherever he is called to lead.
“To me, the award is a source of encouragement. It reminds me that whenever I occupy any position of responsibility, I should continue to serve humanity with dedication and selflessness.
“I strongly believe that when you devote yourself to serving others, God will always reward your efforts. This recognition is therefore a motivation for me to do even more wherever I find myself in the future,” he added.
Reflecting on his stewardship, Aremu said the university recorded remarkable milestones, including the promotion of seven academic staff, four to the rank of Associate Professor and three to Professor, the introduction of a merit-based promotion system for non-academic staff, the successful accreditation of seven academic programmes and the revival of the university’s inaugural lecture series after a three-year hiatus.
He also described the approval of a 120-student admission quota for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) as one of the defining achievements of his administration.
Aremu further highlighted progress in governance, postgraduate quality assurance, distance education and strategic partnerships, particularly the strengthening of collaboration between Achievers University and the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
He also said the university deepened its relationship with the host community through employment opportunities and environmental sustainability initiatives, including the planting of more than 130 trees across the campus under the Green Care Initiative.
He attributed the successes recorded during his tenure to teamwork, dedication and divine grace.
The former Acting Vice-Chancellor’s stewardship also drew glowing commendation from the returning Vice-Chancellor, Professor Omolola Irinoye, and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Bode Ayorinde, who praised his leadership and pledged to build on the reforms and achievements recorded during his administration.
Irinoye described Aremu as a dependable, principled and consultative administrator whose leadership ensured stability and institutional continuity throughout her absence, while Ayorinde hailed his administration as transformational and credited him with taking the university to greater heights.
Tributes also poured in from senior academics and university officials, who unanimously described Aremu as a visionary, humble and transformational leader whose commitment to academic excellence, staff development and institutional growth has left an enduring legacy.
The award presentation formed part of activities marking the successful completion of his tenure, which also featured the inauguration of the university’s Green Care Initiative through the planting of commemorative trees and a Special Senate Session held in his honour.
A counselling psychologist, criminal justice scholar and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, Aremu served as Acting Vice-Chancellor from December 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. With the return of Professor Omolola Irinoye, he has resumed his substantive position as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, bringing to a close an administration widely acclaimed for its stability, institutional reforms and record academic accomplishments.
