Ajayi Crowther varsity appoints first female VC

The Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, has announced the appointment of Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole as the new Vice-Chancellor of the university.

This was contained in a statement issued by the university and made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday.

In the statement, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adebayo, was hailed as an exceptional and distinguished administrator, “whose leadership over the past five years elevated the institution to new heights.”

Adebayo’s tenure as ACU VC comes to an end at the end of this month.

Speaking during a ceremony held to celebrate Prof Adebayo after the University’s Governing Council meeting on Wednesday, Chairman of the council and Pro Chancellor of the University, Dr Olutoyin Okeowo, said that the external auditor’s report submitted to the council indicated ‘tremendous’ growth while also unveiling Prof Ebunoluwa Oduwole as the incoming Vice-Chancellor.

Okeowo said, “Between the period that Prof Adebayo became the Vice-Chancellor in 2020 and now, this University has witnessed tremendous growth. I must say that this growth is being recorded at a time that the nation is going through a challenging economy.

“Those in economic management and finance expert will understand this; if you look at the micro economic indices of the country in the past five years, you would see that it has been quite challenging. 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.

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“But Prof Adebayo has been able to ensure yearly growth of this University. I want o say this is highly commendable. On behalf of Anglicans in the Supra West, I want to say thank you.”

The Pro-Chancellor expressed appreciation for the support of the University’s management, principal officers and all staff in ensuring the success of Prof. Adebayo’s tenure, noting that the council recognises their contributions and remains grateful to everyone.

Okeowo continued, “In our meeting today, 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. You all contributed to his success in the past five years, so on behalf of all Anglicans in the Supra West, I want to say thank you to you all. It is a team work that worked so well”

The council chairman restated the goal of the council to develop the University and elevate its ranking among the best institutions in the world.

“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 and I have the assurance that you can still deliver on that,” he said

Okeowo also introduced Prof Adebayo’s successor, Prof Ebunoluwa Oduwole, calling for the cooperation of all staff to ensure that she also records a successful tenure in office.

“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. I am sure that you will give her the best cooperation so that she will excel in all ramifications. Support he also with your prayers,” said Okeowo.

While praising the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Willliams Aladekugbe, who is also a member of the governing council, said it was not a mistake that Prof. Adebayo was chosen five years ago to lead the University.

“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. It means God was with us while making the choice,” said Aladekugbe.

The outgoing VC Adebayo had, on June 20, 2025, lauded the Mind Education programme, which has been integrated into the university’s curriculum, as a “highly impactful initiative” that is already yielding significant positive outcomes for its students.

Speaking after a three-day Mind Education Camp, spearheaded by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Ronke Ogunmakin, and supported by a team of Mind Educators from South Korea, Adebayo highlighted the programme’s global reach and proven track record.