LCU’s Owoeye at 70: Ajayi Crowther DVC Popoola to Join Dialogue on Private Sector Role in Varsities
From Rotimi Agboluaje, Ibadan
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Prof. Muyiwa Popoola, is set to speak as a panelist at the maiden colloquium organised in honour of the founder and Chairman of the Governing Council of Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan, Prof. Jide Owoeye, as he clocks 70.
The colloquium, which forms part of activities marking Owoeye’s 70th birthday, is being organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences of Lead City University to celebrate his contributions to higher education, international relations scholarship and private sector-driven educational development in Nigeria.
According to a letter of invitation signed by the Registrar of the university, Dr. (Mrs.) Oyebola Ayeni, the event will hold on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Adeline Hall, Lead City University, Ibadan.
The theme of the colloquium is, “Nigeria Higher Education and Private Sector Involvement: Navigating the Path, Confronting the Challenges, Opportunities for the Future.”
Prof. Popoola is expected to serve as a panelist and speak on the sub-theme, “Sustaining Strategic Communication among Stakeholders,” a topic considered central to strengthening collaboration between universities, government, industry and the wider society.
The event is expected to draw scholars, university administrators, policymakers and stakeholders in the education sector to deliberate on the future of higher education in Nigeria, particularly the role of the private sector in driving innovation, funding and institutional sustainability.
Prof. Owoeye, a distinguished scholar and education entrepreneur, holds a B.Sc. degree from the University of Ibadan and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). A former Professor of International Relations at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, he pioneered scholarly work on Japan’s policy in Africa before voluntarily retiring in 2005.
Widely regarded as a visionary in private education, Owoeye’s commitment to expanding access to quality education led to the establishment of Lead City University and other educational, media and financial institutions. Through these initiatives, he has contributed significantly to human capital development, skills acquisition and improved welfare for academic and non-academic staff.
The university described the colloquium as both timely and instructive, noting that Owoeye’s life and career represent a purposeful engagement with the intersection of education, development and private sector innovation.
Other discussants expected at the event include the Vice Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Prof. Shadrach Akindele; the Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. Oyedunni Sola Arulogun; and the Vice Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila.
Organisers expressed confidence that Prof. Popoola’s participation would enrich deliberations and add depth to discussions on repositioning Nigeria’s higher education system to meet contemporary challenges and global standards.
The colloquium is expected to culminate in recommendations aimed at strengthening policy direction and fostering sustainable partnerships in the sector.
