The Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, has appointed Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole as the new Vice-Chancellor, making her the first female to hold the position in the institution’s history.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the university and made available to News men on Thursday.
Prof. Oduwole takes over from Prof. Timothy Adebayo, whose five-year tenure ends this month. Adebayo was commended by the council for his exceptional leadership, which was said to have elevated the university despite Nigeria’s harsh economic realities.
Speaking at a ceremony organised in honour of Adebayo after the Governing Council meeting on Wednesday, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the council, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, described his tenure as a period of “tremendous growth.”
“Between the period that Prof. Adebayo became the Vice-Chancellor in 2020 and now, this University has witnessed tremendous growth, even at a time when the nation’s economy faced serious challenges. His creativity and discipline ensured yearly growth, which is highly commendable,” Okeowo said.
He added that the council remains committed to making Ajayi Crowther University one of the best 1,000 universities in the world, urging staff to extend their cooperation to the new VC.
“Let me also welcome the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Ebunoluwa Oduwole. She is making history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of this University. I am sure you will give her the best cooperation and support her with your prayers,” he added.
Archbishop of Ibadan Province and council member, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, also lauded Adebayo’s tenure, describing his appointment five years ago as a “blessing” that led to remarkable academic and infrastructural development.
Prof. Adebayo, who assumed office in 2020, had earlier praised the university’s adoption of the Mind Education Programme, which he said has been “highly impactful” on students and contributed to the institution’s growing reputation.
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