The outgoing vice chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Prof Timothy Adebayo, has been hailed as an exceptional and distinguished administrator, whose leadership over the past five years has elevated the institution to new heights.
Adebayo’s tenure as ACU VC ends at the end of this month.
Speaking during a ceremony held to celebrate Adebayo after the University’s Governing Council meeting, 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 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 when the nation is going through a challenging economy.
“Those in economic management and finance experts will understand this; if you look at the microeconomic 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 helm of affairs are not likely to stand the economic storm we have had in this country.
“But Adebayo has been able to ensure yearly growth of this University. I want to 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 Adebayo’s tenure, noting that the council recognises their contributions and remains grateful to everyone.
“In our meeting today, it was made clear that a tree does not make a forest. 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.
Okeowo also introduced Adebayo’s successor, Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole, calling for the cooperation of all staff to ensure that she also records a successful tenure in office.
While praising the outgoing vice chancellor, Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev Willliams Aladekugbe, who is also a member of the governing council, said it was not a mistake that 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. We had a moment of storm last year but God calmed the storm so he deserves our thanks and praises,” said Aladekugbe.
