The Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Professor Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole, on Monday outlined key achievements recorded in her first 60 days in office and unveiled major academic, infrastructural, and administrative developments ahead of the institution’s 17th Convocation Ceremony.
Professor Oduwole said the administration has demonstrated clear commitment to “hitting the ground running,” with reforms targeted at strengthening academic excellence, enhancing student welfare, and expanding the institution’s national and global visibility.
A total of 3,633 students will graduate at the ceremony—2,336 undergraduates and 1,297 postgraduates. Among the undergraduate graduands, 76 will receive First Class Honours degrees, 1,408 Second Class Upper, 810 Second Class Lower, and 42 Third Class. The postgraduate category includes 170 postgraduate diplomas and 1,127 Master’s degrees.
She announced that the National Universities Commission (NUC) recently completed accreditation and re-accreditation exercises for seven programmes, with favourable outcomes expected. Three new programmes—Journalism & Media Studies, Broadcasting, and Information & Media Science—are awaiting NUC resource verification, while the University is also preparing to launch its Artificial Intelligence degree programme once approval is granted.
Plans for the establishment of a full-fledged College of Health Sciences have been concluded, and the University expects the college—housing programmes in Medicine, Pharmacy and allied health disciplines—to take off soon.
To optimise campus infrastructure, the University has relocated the Faculty of Agriculture to the Kiyeseni Awe Campus, the Faculty of Engineering to the Offa Meta Campus, and reassigned the Faculty of Computing to the former Engineering complex.
The VC also announced improved internet connectivity through new telecommunications partnerships, alongside a full overhaul of the University Health Centre. Renovation works, recruitment of new medical personnel, procurement of equipment and plans for a modern teaching hospital are underway.
She highlighted outstanding student achievements in innovation, debates, research and sports, including engineering students who built a solar-powered irrigation system and law students who excelled in moot trials. She reiterated ACU’s zero tolerance for drug abuse, noting ongoing collaboration with the NDLEA.
Professor Oduwole also disclosed the upcoming launch of a Research Grant Clinic to support staff in securing competitive grants, alongside welfare-oriented policies for staff development and training.
Innovations from the Faculties of Agriculture and Engineering were showcased as part of this year’s convocation events, including mechanised farm tools, agro-processing machines, solar solutions, software applications and farm produce.
She celebrated the accomplishments of ACU alumni, including Olaseinde-Williams Godwin Oluseye, ranked among the world’s top 2% most influential scientists.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and integrity, saying the goal is to equip students with values and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
