By Adeyinka Adeniran
The governing council, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo has commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Adebayo for the various feats achieved during his five years tenure, saying the efforts have elevated the institution to new heights.
Commending him for teamwork and leadership, as his tenure comes to an end at the end of the month, the Council also seized the opportunity to unveil Prof Ebunoluwa Oduwole as the incoming Vice-Chancellor.
Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate Prof Adebayo shortly after the Council’s meeting on Wednesday, Chairman of the Council and Pro Chancellor of the University, Dr Olutoyin Okeowo, said external auditor’s report submitted to the council indicated ‘tremendous’ growth of the institution under Adebayo’s watch even at a time of national economical challenge.
Okeowo said, “Between the period that Prof Adebayo became the Vice-Chancellor in 2020 and now, this University has witnessed tremendous growth. I must say that this growth is being recorded at a time that the nation is going through a challenging economy.
“Those in economic management and finance expert will understand this; if you look at the micro economic indices of the country in the past five years, you would see that it has been quite challenging. Most institutions that are not well managed or do not have someone that is very creative and disciplined at the helms of affairs are not likely to stand the economic storm we have had in this country.
“But Prof Adebayo has been able to ensure yearly growth of this University. I want to say this is highly commendable. On behalf of Anglicans in the Supra West, I want to say thank you.”
The Pro-Chancellor expressed appreciation for the support of the University’s management, principal officers and all staff in ensuring the success of Prof. Adebayo’s tenure, noting that the council recognises their contributions and remains grateful to everyone.
He added, “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 has a team; dedicated team, principal officers and members of the University’s staff. You all contributed to his success in the past five years, so on behalf of all Anglicans in the Supra West, I want to say thank you to you all. It is a team work that worked so well”
The council chairman restated the goal of the council to develop the University and elevate its ranking among the best institutions in the world.
“When we came on board, we had a clear goal and objective that this University must be ranked among the best 1000 Universities in the world. That is still our objective and I have the assurance that you can still deliver on that,” he said.
Okeowo also introduced Prof Adebayo’s successor, Prof Ebunoluwa Oduwole, calling for the cooperation of all staff to ensure that she also records a successful tenure in office.
“Let me also 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 that you will give her the best cooperation so that she will excel in all ramifications. Support he also with your prayers,” said Okeowo.
While praising the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Willliams Aladekugbe, who is also a member of the governing council, said it was not a mistake that Prof. Adebayo was chosen five years ago to lead the University.
“The choice of Adebayo was not a mistake but a blessing. Under his watch, the University has recorded several achievements in academic and infrastructural developments. It means God was with us while making the choice,” said Aladekugbe.
