” I am here to do God’s will” – Akindele
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has urged the new Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Redeemers University (RUN), Ede, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, to embrace integrity in running the institution.
Adeboye gave the charge during the inauguration of Akindele as the fourth substantive vice-chancellor of the university, on Wednesday, in Ede, Osun State.
The general overseer, represented by Pastor Kayode Pitan, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the university, said that the integrity of the institution must be maintained at all times.
“The integrity of the university should be maintained in all its dealings so that RUN can remain an institution where many will be willing to work because of the importance attached to a conducive environment and staff welfare.
“It should also be a place where every student will love to be and it is my prayer that the university will record success in the next few years”, he said.
He congratulated the new VC and urged him to ensure that the university continued to ride on the path of excellence it was known for.
“It is noteworthy that all the past administrations had contributed to the growth and development of the university in their own capacities.
“I, therefore, use this opportunity to encourage the vice-chancellor to ensure that the university continues to ride on the path of excellence it is known for.
“RUN is God’s university and the new administration must be ready to make sacrifices in order to ensure that it remains the pride of the past and the future generations.
“I, therefore, pray that the tenure of the new VC will witness peace, unity and progress in all ramifications,” he said.
In his remarks, Akindele urged the staff of the institution to support him in moving the university forward.
” I accepted this role with a clear understanding that it is a call to service and I am here to improve, motivate and committed to promoting an environment where innovative ideas will thrive.
“And being mindful that this is a private university, therefore, we cannot afford to be casual or lazy in the way we do things.
“We will do our jobs to the best of our abilities,” he said.
Akindele urged the staff of the institution not to entertain any fear or anxiety due to the change in leadership, saying, ” I am here to do God’s will”.
The new VC urged the staff of the university to give their best to the students so that they could compete globally with their counterparts in any part of the world.
Akindele said that he would expand the revenue base of the university to meet its demands and also for the university to maintain its uniqueness as a Christian university.
“Our students must be Christ-like so that they can become positive change agents in the society”, he said.
He thanked Adeboye and his wife for their support for the growth and development of the university.
As the substantive Vice Chancellor, Professor Akindele brings a holistic perspective to university governance with emphasis on the importance of fostering a dynamic learning environment and community engagement. His vision for Redeemer’s University is to promote a vibrant educational community where staff and students are supported to serve God in order to achieve academic excellence.
Professor Akindele is deeply committed to student success, and his tenure is expected to usher in new opportunities for research funding, international collaborations and a strong emphasis on community outreach.
He was ordained as a full Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 2009 and has continued to serve in various departments of the church. He is married to Pastor (Mrs) Hannah Oluwatoyin Akindele and they are blessed with children.”
Joined at the inauguration was the umbrella body of all Foresters in Nigeria led by its President, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun and the Chairman , Board of Trustees of the association, Chief James Bola Odebiyi. Prof. Akindele is a Fellow of the Forestry Association of Nigeria.
Professor Akindele attended the University of Ibadan where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources Management in 1985. After completing his National Youth Service Corps programme, he returned to the same University for his postgraduate studies and earned Master of Science degree and Doctor of Philosophy in Forest Biometrics in 1987 and 1990, respectively. Professor Akindele began his academic career as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Ibadan in 1987, and moved to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) as an Assistant Lecturer in 1988.
At FUTA, he rose through the ranks to become a professor in 2005. At various times, Akindele was a Visiting Professor at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, and the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, where he showcased his dedication to research and strong passion for educational development.
