Professor (Mrs) Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole, was, on Wednesday, inaugurated as the fifth substantive and first female vice-chancellor (VC) of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo.
Oduwole, who unveiled a 10-point agenda, succeeded Professor Timothy Abiodun Adebayo, whose tenure began in October 2020 and ended at the end of September.
The inauguration of Professor Oduwole as the fifth substantive vice chancellor of the 20-year-old ACU was held at a Crowther Hall, situated in the institution.
The event was well-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), she placed spirituality and ethics at the heart of her administration.
The new VC 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.
Professor 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.
Innovation And Research For The Future
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.
Infrastructure Renewal and Campus Development
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 (PPP) to support ACU through endowments, donations, and build-operate-transfer projects.
Financial Sustainability and Funding Models
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.
Staff Welfare and Professional Development
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.
Student Development and Welfare
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 emphasised.
Digital Transformation and ICT Upgrade
As part of her agenda, she promised a comprehensive ICT upgrade that would drive e-learning, improve administrative efficiency, and enhance ACU’s global competitiveness.
Strengthening Town and Gown Relations
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.
Inclusive and Participatory Leadership
Finally, 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.
A Call To Stakeholders
In closing, 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.
