The Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adebayo, for his exceptional leadership, describing him as a distinguished administrator who steered the institution to remarkable growth despite Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.
Prof. Adebayo, whose five-year tenure as VC comes to an end this month, was celebrated on Wednesday during a council meeting chaired by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo.
Speaking at the event, Okeowo said an external auditor’s report submitted to the council confirmed “tremendous growth” under Adebayo’s administration. He noted that ACU’s consistent yearly progress, recorded in a period of economic uncertainty, was a testament to the outgoing VC’s creativity, discipline, and resilience.
“Between the period that Prof. Adebayo became Vice-Chancellor in 2020 and now, this University has witnessed tremendous growth. Most institutions that are not well managed or lack creative leadership would have struggled to survive the economic storm of the past five years. But Prof. Adebayo has ensured yearly growth of this University, and this is highly commendable,” Okeowo said.
The Pro-Chancellor also lauded the collective efforts of the university’s management, principal officers, and staff, noting that their dedication contributed significantly to the success of Adebayo’s administration.
“In our meeting today, it was made clear that a tree does not make a forest. Prof. Adebayo has achieved so much simply because he had a team. On behalf of all Anglicans in the Supra West, I want to say thank you,” he added.
Reaffirming the council’s vision, Okeowo said ACU remains committed to raising its global profile.
“When we came on board, we had a clear objective—that this University must be ranked among the best 1,000 in the world. That goal remains, and I am assured it can be achieved,” he stated.
The Governing Council also announced Prof. (Mrs.) Ebunoluwa Oduwole as Adebayo’s successor, making her the first female Vice-Chancellor of the institution. Okeowo urged the university community to extend full cooperation and support to her.
“Let me use this opportunity to welcome the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Ebunoluwa Oduwole. She is making history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of this University. I am sure you will give her the best cooperation so that she will excel in all ramifications,” he said.
In his remarks, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and member of the Governing Council, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, described Adebayo’s appointment five years ago as divine.
“The choice of Adebayo was not a mistake but a blessing. Under his watch, the University has recorded several achievements in academic and infrastructural development. It means God was with us while making the choice,” he said.
Prof. Oduwole is expected to assume office as Vice-Chancellor at the end of the month when Adebayo’s tenure officially ends.
