Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), has called on Nigerian universities to rethink their approach to research, shifting from the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake to a model that drives economic development, job creation, and societal transformation.

The charge came during the keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference of Natural Sciences, held at Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, under the theme: “Frontiers in Science and Technology: Innovations for Sustainable Development in a Dynamic World.”

Delivering the keynote address at the event organised by the Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS), Prof. Olayinka argued that 21st-century research must deliver tangible economic benefits and improved quality of life. According to him, “The real and legitimate goal of the sciences is the endowment of human life with new inventions and riches,” adding that universities must function as engines of growth, centres of innovation, and agents of wealth creation.

Prof. Olayinka, who was the 12th substantive Vice-Chancellor of UI, presented a triangular model linking science at the centre with innovation, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship at the edges. He stressed that sustainable development requires entrepreneurial initiatives capable of addressing environmental challenges, fostering social inclusivity, and promoting responsible economic practices.

He noted, however, that most Nigerian universities lack clear mechanisms for setting research agendas, leaving academics to conduct disconnected individual research in silos. Other challenges listed by Prof. Olayinka include excessive teaching loads, external consultancies, and poor linkages with social demands and national development priorities.

“Research at most universities competes with high teaching loads and external demands such as consultancies and teaching at private institutions. This leaves little time and energy to devote to doctoral students,” Olayinka warned. “The application of research results remains one of the major weaknesses because linkages with social demands and national development priorities are rare, if not non-existent.”

To reverse the trend, the former UI Vice-Chancellor recommended that universities establish intellectual property (IP) policies, technology transfer offices, and research integrity units. He also called for continual upgrades to research infrastructure and the creation of new governance models for university research.

“In our technological, knowledge-driven world, change is inevitable. Our strategic research must contribute to local, national, and global development,” he said, adding that university spin-off companies, which are now common in developed countries, can help commercialise research results and encourage entrepreneurship.

In a sharp takeaway, Prof. Olayinka posed a pointed question to the audience, asking, “Will Nigeria chart its own path to development across these game-changing spaces, or will it remain a dumping ground for finished products, wallowing in consumerism?”

Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, said the event was designed to bring together experts from diverse disciplines to exchange ideas and develop solutions to global challenges.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Afolake Olanbiwonninu, the Vice-Chancellor noted that one of the purposes of the event is to exchange ideas that can shape the future of science and technology and also ignite solutions that will transform the world. She charged participants to engage fully and collaborate for a productive experience.

Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Roland Isibor, expressed gratitude to the university management for its financial and moral support, describing the Vice-Chancellor as an energetic and visionary leader. He said the conference aims to promote intellectual research, generate innovative ideas, and foster partnerships for societal development.

The Conference Chairman, Prof. Ebenezer Olayinka, noted that the conference is focused on transformative advancements in human health, environmental sustainability, and technology. Dr. Ayokanmi Ore, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, appreciated the university’s management and the Faculty of Natural Sciences for their commitment to research excellence, urging participants to actively network and collaborate for lasting impact.

The biennial conference continues to serve as a platform for Nigerian and international scientists to bridge the gap between academic research and national development priorities.

In a statement released by the university spokesperson, Femi Atoyebi, the ceremony was described as a significant occasion that attracted numerous dignitaries, including religious leaders, academics, the University Visitor, the Most Reverend Dr. Joseph Akinfenwa, and the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo.

During her inaugural address, Professor Oduwole presented her administration’s ambitious 10-point vision plan designed to spearhead the institution’s development. 

Her central objective is to elevate ACU into a global brand by emphasizing key values such as teamwork, dedication, integrity, accountability, resilience, professional conduct, due process, and adherence to international best practices.

Oduwole, has outlined a comprehensive agenda for acu that emphasizes academic renewal and expansion, including the launch of a faculty of clinical medicine and pharmacyand a distance learning programme. 

This is complemented by a focus on research and innovation, which will see the creation of a research management and innovation office. A cornerstone of her tenure will be stakeholder relations and governance, promising a cordial relationship with all parties and strong governance. 

Furthermore, she will prioritize welfare and discipline through a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and cultism, while strictly maintaining acu’s christian ethos by integrating faith-based values with academics.

 to ensure long-term stability, there’s a commitment to financial diversification by developing new revenue streams to lessen dependence on tuition fees. 

Finally, infrastructural development will be carried out across all four campuses (Oyo, Kieseni, Osoogun, and Ofa Metta), and community relations will be strengthened to better link the university with its host communities and the wider society.

Professor Oduwole concluded by assuring that through unity and dedication, ACU will successfully meet its immediate goals and emerge as a world-class, faith-based institution that seamlessly integrates integrity with excellence.

Ajayi Crowther University, founded in 2005 by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), is named after the first African Anglican bishop, Samuel Ajayi Crowther, and is recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading faith-based universities. Professor Oduwole, an accomplished administrator and scholar, succeeds Professor Timothy Adebayo, whose five-year tenure concluded in 2025.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said that institutions of higher learning in the country will only be relevant when they start producing problem-solvers and not just certificate holders.

Governor Akeredolu said the hollow repetition of outdated and inapplicable theories which are taught in the institution of learning will only produce highly certificated citizens who lack capacity to solve basic problems.

The Governor declared that all true centres of learning must not be quiet at this crucial moment in the country, adding that “We live in a period when the interventions of true intellectuals are needed to illumine darkened paths.”

Arakunrin Akeredolu spoke at the 12th and 13th combined Convocation ceremonies of the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State.

Governor Akeredolu was also conferred with an award of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) of the University.

He was accompanied to the event by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu.

Other dignitaries on the Governor’s entourage included Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Tayo Alasoadura; Oba Fredrick Akinruntan Obateru, the Olugbo of Ugbo land; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; members of the House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun; President of the Customary court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Eunice Alade; members of the state executive council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Justice Alero Akeredolu of the State High Court; Executive Chairmen of local governments led by the Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Oloruntogbe Augustine; commissioner-designates and recently appointed Special Advisers.

Also at the event were Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN; Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade (Rtd), Prince Ademola Adegoroye, members of the past state executive council and other important dignitaries.

The Governor noted that all activities in the institutions of learning must be geared towards self-reliance, saying science must be promoted above superstitious beliefs.

“Any institution of higher learning or research centre whose focus is not on these practical means of coming out of doldrums betrays its mandate,” he said.

Governor Akeredolu tasked the academia not to be tired of educating the people on the best way possible out of the current predicament as a country.

“They must enlighten us about the concept of federalism. We must know the limits and responsibilities of states as component units in a federation.

“We should be certain of the meaning of a constitution as the basic law of a democratic country. There must not be doubts as regards political ideas such as sovereignty, legitimacy, rights and duties of citizens.

“They must educate the people to understand why all authorities must be subordinate to the people and civil service must be made to actualize this objective.

“Our centres of research and learning must be ready to come up with innovations on how best to plant our food and feed our people. We must depend on our children to fix our roads, hospitals and secure the land,” Arakunrin Akeredolu said.

He stressed that the education of a citizen is the most important assignment of the society which he said is represented by the government at all levels.

Governor Akeredolu said the challenges faced by any society must form the basis for the design of a curriculum of instruction, adding that its content must reflect the aggregate of the collective aspirations towards development.

“The current process of certification, promoted vigorously by a system which appears content churning out graduates without requisite capacity for the qualifications with which they are saddled, must be reviewed.

“Our universities must not be seen as centres of preparing young people for an ultimate carnival-like procession culminating in the award of degrees and diplomas which are a veritable embarrassment to the holders.

“Certificates are mere evidence of participation in a process. They do not necessarily bear testimonies to capacity. The disturbing reality which finds expression in the presence of multitude of unemployed graduates in an underdeveloped country should be a source of deep anxiety.

“While inadequate funding may be adduced as a factor militating against qualitative education, it is disingenuous and escapist to look away from the fundamental cause of progressive rot in the system.

“There has been a disconnect between the social realities and the pretentious emptiness served as diets of instruction,” Governor Akeredolu lamented.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Professor Jacob Adeniyi is dead.

It was gathered on Saturday that the deceased died at his residence in Bodija area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

It was learnt that the professor of computer science died after a brief illness.

The don had earlier received treatment at the University College Hospital (UCH) before he later died in his residence.

Our correspondent gathered that the don joined the institution in 2012.

Registrar of the institution, Dr. Jadesola Babatola, confirmed the death of the deputy vice Chancellor on Saturday.

He described the late professor as an astute personality and distinguished scholar.

Reports reflected that, “Adeniyi, who is a professor of Computer Science, played a pivotal role in setting up the Department of Computer Science of the University.

“Before his appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, where he had served for two tenures before he fell ill, he had served the University as the Head of Department of Computer Science and the Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences.”

Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Timothy Adebayo, also expressed his regret over the passing on of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Adebayo noted that he had led the University management to pay condolence visit to the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Abosede Adeniyi, the children and family members at their Bodija residence in Ibadan.

He lamented that “the family and the society at large has lost a gem whose wealth of experience is unquantifiable.

“He left good legacies behind. The university management has promised the family to play its role in giving him a befitting burial when the burial is set.”

He stated this on Monday when he inaugurated the Panel at Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Law Auditorium in the University. Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, who has been a pivotal figure in the affairs of Ajayi Crowther University, having been the immediate past Chairman of the Governing Council, told members of the Panel not to shy away from stating the ills of the University, insisting that the Board of Trustees, which set up the Visitation Panel, is serious about it, and is ready to do its best in implementing the recommendations of the panel.

‘Please tell us the things you discover while examining the University. Tell us as it is, do not hide anything’ He said in his speech, the Pro- Chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), expressed delight at the calibre of people who make up the Panel, and stated his belief that they would do a thorough job.

‘ You are all members of the Anglican Communion, and this is your University. I plead with you to give of your best in this job so that your University will be able to witness progress in the next level of development.’ Olanipekun said at the inauguration ceremony.

The seven-member panel consists of Distinguished Professor Jide Alo, former Deputy Vice- Chancellor, University of Lagos, ( Chairman), Barrister Gboyega Afonja( Secretary ), Professor Femi Bamiro, former Vice- Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Yemisi Bamgbose (SAN), Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Professor Godwin Ejodame, Ven. Dr. Julius Adekoya and Mr. Ayo Adefila (FCA). In his response, the Chairman of the Panel, Professor Julius Alor, pledged that his team would do its best to justify the confidence reposed in it.

Shortly after the inauguration, the Panel took the submission of Chief Wole Olanipekun wherein appealed to the panel to look into sources of funding for the University, and examine the law that established the University. He said the University law needs to be reviewed in line with current realities. He also urged it to take a second look at the ownership of the hostels with a view to recommending a change in the ownership structure.

After taking the submission of Chairman of the Governing Council, the Panel and members of University Management paid a courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi , the traditional ruler of Oyo. The Vice- Chancellor, Professor Timothy Adebayo led the delegation while the Registrar, Dr. J.E.T. Babatola, facilitated the introduction and purpose of the visit. The chairman of the Panel, Professor Jide Alo, gave an address wherein he told the Alaafin that the Panel decided to pay him a courtesy visit on the day of its inauguration as the landlord to the University. The Oba, in his response, expressed delight at the visit and told the Panel that he is happy with the University because it has contributed to the growth and development of Oyo town. He appealed to the Panel to do a good job, and arrive at recommendations that would take the University to a new height.

‘ I hope that you will perform very well and submit a good report. The people put in charge of the University are doing their best. The first Teachers Training College in this part of Nigeria, St. Andrew’s College, was cited in Oyo.
It has now turned into the first University in Oyo. I have visited ACU several times. I am happy with the University and we shall continue to support it.’ Oba Adeyemi said.

Members of the University Board of Trustees who were present at the inauguration include Senator (Prof.) O.O.Osumbor, and retired Justice Babajide Ogunade, Secretary to the Board of Trustees.

What does fatherhood mean to you?

Fatherhood simply means responsibility to oversee the affairs of a family. Any position of responsibility where you exercise oversight as the brain, breadwinner, security person, guide of the family, you are playing the role of a father.

To be fatherly is to beget; a father is someone who begets another child. It entails a reproductive responsibility as well as a mentoring responsibility and it comes with lots of administrative responsibilities as well.  That is why Apostle Paul advised that those who want to be leaders in church must first be leaders in their houses. Just as when we recite the Lord’s Prayer, we begin with our father, who art in heaven. What God is to us as human is what the father is to his children and society.

At what age did you become a father?

I had my first child in 1990 and I am 57 now. My first child is a medical doctor, she is now married. My second child was born in 1991; she is a lawyer and married. My son, who is the last child, was born in 1996. I became a father at 28 and since then, I have been carrying out responsibilities. My own case was peculiar; you know there are fathers and there are fathers. In the African setting, you are not just a father in the nuclear sense of it.

As early as 1981/1982, I have been a father to many of my younger ones and relatives.  As early as that, I had already started paying the school fees of 13 persons from 1985 to 1988. I didn’t become a father when I had my own children; I didn’t have only my own children to cater to. I fathered many other people because of my position in the family.

How were you able to balance this without jeopardising your children’s training?

Priority must be given to one’s children. I was brought up in a polygamous setting. My father was prominent and my grandfather was a king. He was prominent in his time and one of the most civilised people in his time. My father was a journalist; he was the popular Michael Asaju of the Nigerian Union of Journalist in the 1970s and 1980s. After that, he became a king. I was born in a very large house where we always have people coming to live with us. General Tunde Idiagbon was one of the people who lived with us. He was working with my father when he was a young man. Sometimes we could have up to 15 people living with us.

I don’t have a large family like my father but one or two people lived with us. I made sure I provide for my family and ensure that they never lacked anything. But in all, we gave them a strict discipline. After marriage, I told my wife that husband and wife would want to have a joint account. But in my case, it wouldn’t work because I am responsible not just to her and our children but also to many others.

How did you meet your wife?

I met her at the University of Ilorin. At that time, I had completed the National Youth Service Corps scheme and she was in her final year at the university. I also graduated from the university. We courted for four years and got married in 1989. One good thing about her was that I was using a motorcycle when I proposed to her. She had other options but she believed in me out of love. Today, the same man, who rode a motorcycle, is now a bishop, vice-chancellor and a professor. I have reached the peak in the three areas of my career. I encourage younger people to marry out of love because they don’t know what the future holds. Don’t marry because a person has money or connection. During (Ibrahim) Babangida and (Sani) Abacha’s era, I was the chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities at the Lagos State University. I started lecturing at LASU in 1984. I have put in 36 years as a lecturer at LASU. I became a professor there in 2014 and a deputy vice-chancellor there before I came to Ajayi Crowther University.

The former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, was the president of ASUU and I was the chairman of LASU chapter then. I was a radical lecturer back then. In the course of the struggle, my university felt that I was too radical. So, they terminated my appointment. By then, my wife was also an employee at the university. Her salary was also withheld; so, both of us had no salary. My wife said, “Aluta! Aluta! Now that they have terminated, what are we going to eat?” We have a newborn at the time.

There was nothing else to do. Although I studied Religious Studies, I wouldn’t start a church. My wife was the one who encouraged me to use our car as a taxi. She would sit beside as I picked passengers and she collected the money. After some time, when I gained enough confidence, I told her we would be giving her space to passengers as well. I took charge of the business. I tell this story because I want to pass a message that whoever you are and whatever the challenges you are facing, humble yourself. With a supportive wife, one can weather the storm and we did. After one year, I got back my job and we were okay. We love each other and I am proud of her always.

What do you think is the solution to the lingering ASUU strike?

It is sad that the students have to suffer for ASUU strike. But it is not good to have the palliatives without tackling the problems.

Let me share a story with you. A bishop in the Anglican Communion was ill and taken to the University College Hospital, Ibadan for a major operation. But they said they couldn’t do the operation and referred him to Babcock Teaching Hospital; a private hospital owned by a church while UCH is one of the topmost medical institutions in Nigeria. They can’t handle a case and had to refer it to a private hospital. That is a shame on our medical system. Who should refer cases to who?

Imagine how many of our doctors are in Canada and other countries. They get trained and leave; same with nurses, professors and the rest. The government doesn’t care what happens to us here. They are only interested in stealing money. We are being exploited.

Why didn’t you space the birth of your first child and the second?

There was no gap between our first child and the second because as of then, we wanted to quickly give birth to our children.  We had two girls and we decided not to rush again. And thankfully, God gave us a boy after five years and we decided to stop giving birth. We are happy with them; they are all very lovely and God-fearing children.

How did you discipline them?

I am a disciplinarian but I love them. I will say my wife did the disciplining at home because I was always on the job while she was more at home. I am a lecturer and an evangelist. I will say the discipline was complementary but she did more of the discipline. I am a straightforward and tough person.

How do you celebrate them whenever they make you proud?

I gave them whatever they wanted; they have always done well. I am not the kind of father that will claim to have topped the class when I was in school. I was above average and I didn’t expect too much from them. I wanted them to do well and pass their exams. I emphasised more of discipline and character. I am proud to say that my two daughters married as virgins. That is a joy to us. I believe education is a combination of one’s knowledge and morality. Each time they did well, we praised them. We appreciate them but we emphasised morals, care, humility and others.

Whenever they needed anything, we gave them. I promised to send them on vacation to the UK and even though I wasn’t earning much, I did that for them and their mother. As soon as they were settling down, I gave them a car each even though they were used cars. That was what I could afford and they appreciated it. We are an average family. We don’t have much but we are content because godliness with contentment is great gain.

They are never envious of what others have. We don’t need much to live, and all we need is food for the stomach, clothes to put on and a roof over our heads. Every other thing is vanity. We have taught them to live well and be contented with whatever they have.

Did you force you children to read?

Next to our wives, after God, are books. I am an avid reader. I spend most of my time reading theses. I read most of the times when I am on the road. Imagine you teach many courses and you read all sorts with terrible handwriting. I don’t think I taught any of my children in that line. In fact, none of them wanted to be a professor. They aren’t interested in my career path. I know everyone cannot be like me and I don’t try to force them to be like me. They followed their career paths.

What values did you instil in your children?

Honesty, fear of God, discipline, courage, hard work, purity and excellence in whatever they want to do as well as pragmatic approach to life. I tell them that they are unique in their own way and shouldn’t follow the crowd. People say Nigerians are corrupt, not everyone is corrupt. What God does not give to me, I don’t need it. I tell them to live within means.

When I met my wife, the moment I saw her, I knew she was my wife and she told me that the Holy Spirit told her same. She said she rebuked it. When I was led to her, I went told her, “Lady, I love you. I want to marry you. Please, let me warn you that though I am proposing to you, I am not like those boys who mess around. I love you.”

Female children are usually close to their fathers while the sons cling to their mothers. Is it a similar thing in your family?

My boy is closer to his mother although he resembles me. He bears my name. He is Dapo Asaju Jnr.  But he gravitates more to the mother. The mother has a way of being around me while my daughters are closer to me. I don’t joke with my daughters. All my children are dear to me but I am closer to the girls.

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