By Adeyinka Adeniran
Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has recorded significant progress within the first 100 days of Prof. Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor. Prof. Oduwole assumed office on October 1, 2025, becoming the first female Vice-Chancellor of the university.
During her first 100 days in office, the university has witnessed a range of reforms and developmental initiatives across the institution. According to the Vice-Chancellor, more than 70% of her 30-point agenda has already been addressed. The agenda outlines key deliverables for her five-year tenure.
The university has focused on decongesting the St. Andrew’s Campus while maximizing the use of other campuses. The Faculty of Agriculture has been relocated to the Kieseni Campus, and developmental visits and planning have commenced at the Osoogun Campus.
Key achievements recorded during the period include proposals for the establishment of a university microfinance bank and the introduction of new academic programs such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and other health-related courses. The university has also upgraded its bakery, laundry, and water factory to improve internally generated revenue.
ACU has strengthened collaborations with institutions such as the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, particularly in agricultural development. The university has also partnered with MTN to improve campus-wide internet connectivity.
Other milestones include the creation and inauguration of 10 strategic committees, the establishment of a Computer-Based Test centre, and increased global visibility for the university through academic and engineering showcases during convocation ceremonies.
Staff welfare and development have also received attention, with improved attendance at staff fellowship, community service, and Sunday programs. The university has also provided furniture to faculties and departmental offices, increased awareness of research grants, and approved a ₦30 million research grant.
Environmental and infrastructural improvements recorded include campus beautification, redesign of traffic movement, establishment of ACU Nano Paint, enhancement of the campus entrance, redesign of the university health centre, and the promotion of an eco-friendly campus initiative.
Observers within the university community describe Prof. Oduwole’s first 100 days as a period of rapid transformation, setting the tone for what many expect to be a dynamic and impactful tenure.
