Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, has made history with the appointment of Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole as its first female Vice-Chancellor. The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement by the institution’s Governing Council, marking the beginning of a new chapter as the tenure of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adebayo, draws to a close at the end of this month.

At a ceremony held after the council’s meeting on Wednesday, the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, praised Adebayo for his exceptional five-year leadership, which he described as transformative despite the country’s harsh economic climate. He noted that the university achieved “tremendous growth” under Adebayo’s stewardship, a feat he attributed to his creativity, discipline, and the teamwork of the entire management and staff.

Okeowo restated the council’s vision to position Ajayi Crowther University among the top 1,000 universities in the world, stressing that the incoming Vice-Chancellor would need the full support of the university community to achieve this. “Prof. Oduwole is making history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of this University. I am sure you will give her the best cooperation so she will excel in all ramifications. Support her also with your prayers,” he urged.

Also speaking, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and council member, Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, described Adebayo’s tenure as a divine blessing, citing the academic and infrastructural strides recorded during his leadership. Adebayo, who has been widely commended for integrating the innovative Mind Education programme into the university’s curriculum, leaves behind a legacy of resilience, innovation, and growth.

With Prof. Oduwole’s appointment, stakeholders say Ajayi Crowther University is set for a new era of progress, building on the foundation of its past successes while charting a path towards greater global recognition.