Prof. Olusola Oyewole @ 70: Grace, Grit, and Refired For Global Impact

Today, September 30, 2025, the city of Abeokuta will host a rare threefold celebration as Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole will be marking his 70th birthday, his retirement from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and the beginning of his second tenure as Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities (AAU), Accra, Ghana.

Prof Oyewole is a man of many parts. He is a lecturer, a researcher, a leader, a preacher and an administrator.

Born on 30th September 1955 in Kaduna though from Ogun State, Prof. Oyewole’s educational journey began at Odo-Otin Grammar School, Okuku via Osogbo and then to the prestigious University of Ife  (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he earned his B.Sc. in Microbiology in 1981 before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained his M.Sc. in Food Microbiology in 1984  and Ph.D. in 1990.

ValidViewNetwork reports that he joined the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in 1985 as one of the pioneering academic staff, rising steadily through the ranks to become Professor of Food Science and Technology in 1999. His career within FUNAAB was marked by scholarship, leadership, and service, culminating in his appointment as the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor in 2012.

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As Vice-Chancellor, he navigated through an overwhelming storm. The “hawks” sought to consume him for his unpopular conviction to stand for truth and justice. On 25 November 2016, he, along with others, was wrongly arraigned before an Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta over N800 million fraud allegations against them by the EFCC^. However,  in May 2018, he, along with the others accused, were discharged and acquitted by the Ogun state high court for lack of merit. The Judge ruled that the allegations were without any merit, ValidViewNetwork reports.

 Confirming the scripture “Though we are hard pressed on every side, we are not crushed; though perplexed, we are not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). In the storm, he held firmly to faith, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. Like Daniel in Babylon, he emerged from the lions’ den unhurt. Like Joseph in Egypt, his story did not end in the pit but in the palace.

 On 9th August 2021,  the President of the AAU Governing Board, Professor Orlando Antonio Quilambo, announced the appointment of Prof  Oyewole as the new Secretary General for the Association of African Universities effective from 1st October 2021, a role that expanded his influence beyond Nigeria to the entire African continent. To get a continental appointment after a destructive storm is a testament of grace and divine favour.

Beyond academia, Prof. Oyewole is also the General Superintendent of Divine Heights Bible Church, Abeokuta, one of the fastest-growing Pentecostal ministries in the city

ValidViewNetwork reports that Prof. Oyewole is a special species with uncommon grace. It is no accident that God has expanded his scope beyond FUNAAB, beyond Nigeria, and entrusted him with reshaping higher education across Africa. To step into a fresh five-year global mandate immediately upon retirement is a testimony of what only God can do.

At his threefold celebration later today at DLK Events Centre, Abeokuta., gospel artist Adeyinka Alaseyori will minister. Her songs mirror his journey. “Arojinle” (Deep Thought) captures his reflections of scars and grace, while “Oniduro Mi” (My Guarantor) echoes his testimony of a faithful God who never fails.

Behind this remarkable man is a remarkable woman of valour —Mrs Bolanle Folasade Oyewole, his steadfast partner of over 40 years. A nurse by profession, she has also faithfully “nursed destiny into reality,” standing firm, interceding, and inspiring during the most turbulent seasons. Together, they are blessed with four wonderful children, many grandchildren and loads of spiritual and adopted children.

Indeed, nothing is too much for Prof. Oyewole to thank God for: a life of impact, a testimony of grace, and a legacy that will live far beyond him. He has nurtured a new generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders of global reckoning. His legacy is emboldened in various spheres of life.

Prof. Olusola Oyewole’s threefold celebration is beyond bringing people together to merry. It is beyond celebrating a man who moved from the Den to Destiny. It is beyond celebrating the life of a VC who survived the storm and soared higher, moving from local turbulence to Africa triumph.  It is a celebration of a Grace-Filled Journey, a sermon in motion, a living epistle, and a prophetic signpost and proof that faith in God is never in vain.

As the curtains draw on his service years at FUNAAB and a new chapter unfolds on the continental stage, Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole stands tall as a man whose life embodies the unbroken link between faith, integrity, and divine favour.

At 70, Prof. Oyewole remains not just a retired Professor but a refired vessel for Africa and the world. His journey reminds us of Job 8:7 KJV: “Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.” Truly, he has increased — in wisdom, in influence, and in grace.

ValidViewNetwork affirms that his life is more than an individual testimony; it is a beacon for generations, a charge to academics, leaders, and believers that we may be wounded but not down, tried but not destroyed, delayed but never denied. His impact will outlive him, and his legacy will continue to inspire faith and courage across Africa and beyond.

ValidViewNetwork charges the celebrant to keep deploying his knowledge, network, and gifts for the advancement of Africa and humanity.