The Vice-Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, has revealed that her drive in ACU is to build on what the past leaders of the University left for her.
Prof. Oduwole made the revelation while speaking on the Advent Cable Network Nigeria (ACNN) Live programme, “Today on ACNN (Live),” held on Monday, 5 September, 2026.
Addressing the topic, “365 Days in Office: The Challenges, and the Agendas Ahead with Ajayi Crowther University VC,” Prof. Oduwole answered each question with accuracy, dexterity, and detail, wowing the interviewers and listeners alike.
The Vice-Chancellor, who is the 5th substantive and first female Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, stated that she had mixed feelings when she received the news of her appointment. According to her, “I was happy. Actually, I was crying. I cried. I called my family members and we all came together to give gratitude to God, praying.”
She noted that after the excitement, she decided to seek the face of God by travelling outside the country for almost one month for a personal retreat, as it dawned on her that the entire University Community expected a lot from her. She said she saw the appointment as an appointment from God and decided to behave like Solomon, who asked for wisdom.
Speaking on her key priorities upon assuming office, the Vice-Chancellor said she set out to have a good relationship with the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, the Supra Board West, the Board of Trustees led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, and the University Governing Council led by Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo.
In addition, she sought to have a formidable management and a robust Senate where ideas would be generated in an atmosphere of love and friendship, as well as good relationships with staff, food vendors, shop owners, and students. “By the grace of God, today I have a good relationship with them. The students call me ‘Auntie Ebun’, and I’m proud of that,” she said.
Prof. Oduwole also acknowledged her predecessors, including Prof. Olajire Olaniran, Prof. Emeritus Kolawole Jaiyeoba, the Right Reverend Prof. Dapo Asaju, and Prof. Timothy Adebayo, stating that they all gave her a solid foundation to continue to build on.
She noted that within her 365 days in office, the management had made an impact on the three other campuses of the university: the Offa Meta campus, the Awe-Kieseni campus, and the Osoogun campus. Adding that the Offa Meta campus houses the Faculty of Nursing, Engineering, Basic Medical, Pharmacy, and the MBBS programme, with a new hostel under construction and upgraded facilities.
She further said that the Faculty of Agriculture had been moved to the Awe-Kieseni campus, which is now live, while the Osoogun campus has become a tourist centre, featuring the baobab tree to which Samuel Ajayi Crowther was tied and his family house.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the University had signed an MOU with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) for an agricultural facility and cashew germplasm at the Osoogun campus. Revealing that the University received positive verification from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to start MBBS and PharmD programmes, launched Distance Learning and Part-Time Studies, established a Research and Innovation Office, and rehabilitated hostels and road networks.
On staff welfare and capacity, Prof. Oduwole said a successful promotion process had been carried out, staff and students were motivated, and a lot had been done on digitalisation, ICT, and the spiritual rebirth of the University community. She noted the University was working towards powering all buildings with solar energy, appreciating the Faculty of Engineering for ensuring all buildings are solar-powered.
Speaking on what ACU is doing differently, Prof. Oduwole said the institution’s focus is to raise Godly Intellectuals with knowledge and probity, with zero tolerance for drugs, cultism, and truancy. She stated that apart from JAMB courses, students obtain three other certificates in mind education, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, noting a partnership with a university in Korea for mind education.
Reflecting on what the position has taught her, the Vice-Chancellor said she had learned to carry a lot of weight, adding that she could be in the students’ hostel at any time because she sees them as her children. She emphasised that as a woman, she does not need to compromise standards, maintaining her principles at all times while relying on God spiritually.
Prof. Oduwole advised married women on how to navigate being a mother, a wife, and a Vice-Chancellor, saying, “You do not see yourself as a woman. You see yourself as a human being. She stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people who believe in and encourage one, adding that she had the support of her husband and children.
She however described her journey so far as one of resilience, integrity, and believing in God, handing over everything to Him.
By Emeka S. Oluka
