It was a historic moment at Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, on Thursday, as Professor (Mrs.) Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole was formally inaugurated as the institution’s fifth vice chancellor and first female head.
In her inaugural address, Oduwole outlined a 10-point agenda to guide her administration. At the core of her mission was positioning ACU as a global brand through teamwork, dedication, integrity, accountability, resilience, due process, professional conduct, and adherence to international best practices.
She pledged to ensure a cordial relationship between the University and all stakeholders, noting that academic renewal, infrastructural expansion, and strong governance will be the hub of her tenure.
Highlighting her commitment to academic advancement, the new vice chancellor announced that the University would soon introduce cutting-edge programmes, including establishing a Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy and a fully developed Distance Learning Programme.
In addition, she stated that plans would soon be in motion to set up a Research Management and Innovation Office, which will drive ACU’s contributions to knowledge, technology, and global scholarship.
Oduwole assured students and staff that their growth and development will remain prioritised under her watch. She promised zero tolerance for cultism and bullying, while an inclusive and supportive learning environment will be a feature that the University will strongly promote.
According to her, the faith-based values upon which ACU was founded would be strictly upheld, ensuring that moral and spiritual formation will continue to complement academic excellence in ACU.
On financial matters, Oduwole pledged to diversify the institution’s revenue streams to reduce reliance on tuition fees. She explained that new income-generating initiatives would be developed to secure long-term financial stability.
