Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, has broken new ground by appointing Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole as its first female Vice-Chancellor, marking a historic milestone for the 30-year-old institution.
The appointment was announced during a Governing Council meeting on Wednesday, where the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adebayo, was also celebrated for his exceptional five-year tenure that transformed the university.
Dr Olutoyin Okeowo, Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor, praised Prof. Adebayo’s remarkable leadership during challenging economic times. “Between the period that Prof Adebayo became the Vice-Chancellor in 2020 and now, this University has witnessed tremendous growth,” Okeowo said. “I must say that this growth is being recorded at a time that the nation is going through a challenging economy.”
The Pro-Chancellor emphasised how Prof. Adebayo’s creative and disciplined approach enabled the university to weather Nigeria’s economic storms whilst recording yearly growth. “Most institutions that are not well managed or do not have someone that is very creative and disciplined at the helms of affairs are not likely to stand the economic storm we have had in this country,” he noted.
External auditor’s reports presented to the council confirmed the university’s substantial progress under Prof. Adebayo’s stewardship, with significant improvements in both academic and infrastructural development.
Prof. Adebayo’s tenure, which concludes at the end of September 2025, has been characterised by innovative programmes including the integration of the Mind Education curriculum. Speaking in June 2025, he described the programme as a “highly impactful initiative” yielding significant positive outcomes for students.
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor received glowing tributes from religious leaders, including Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, who declared: “The choice of Adebayo was not a mistake but a blessing. Under his watch, the University has recorded several achievements in academic and infrastructural developments.”
Introducing Prof. Oduwole as the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Dr Okeowo highlighted the historic nature of her appointment. “Let me also use this opportunity to welcome the incoming Vice Chancellor, Prof, Mrs Ebunoluwa Oduwole. She is making history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of this University,” he announced.
The council chairman called for staff cooperation to ensure Prof. Oduwole’s success. “I am sure that you will give her the best cooperation so that she will excel in all ramifications. Support her also with your prayers,” he urged.
Prof. Oduwole inherits an institution with ambitious global aspirations. The Governing Council maintains its objective of ranking Ajayi Crowther University among the world’s top 1,000 universities. “When we came on board, we had a clear goal and objective that this University must be ranked among the best 1000 Universities in the world. That is still our objective,” Dr Okeowo stated.
The appointment represents a significant step forward for gender representation in Nigerian higher education leadership. Prof. Oduwole will officially assume her role as Vice-Chancellor from October 2025, taking over from Prof. Adebayo whose tenure ends this month.
The Governing Council expressed gratitude to the entire university community for their support during Prof. Adebayo’s administration.
“It was made clear that a tree does not make a forest. Prof Adebayo has achieved so much simply because he has a team; dedicated team, principal officers and members of the University’s staff,” Dr Okeowo acknowledged.
