The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has appointed former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.

Olatunji-Bello becomes the first woman to serve in the position since the university was established in 2005.

Her three-year tenure commenced on November 1, 2026, according to a statement issued by Redeemer’s University on Saturday.

The appointment was communicated in a letter dated November 1 and signed by Adeboye, who is also the Visitor to the university.

Adeboye said the decision was based on the confidence reposed in Olatunji-Bello and expressed the expectation that she would contribute to the realisation of the university’s vision.

He also congratulated her and wished her a successful tenure.

In her new capacity, Olatunji-Bello will provide strategic leadership to the university’s Governing Council and support its efforts in institutional development, governance, academic excellence and long-term planning.

The immediate past Pro-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, welcomed the appointment, describing Olatunji-Bello as a suitable choice for the position.

Ogundipe said her leadership experience, reputation and extensive network would bring considerable value to the university.

The Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Professor Shadrach Akindele, also expressed optimism about the appointment, saying the institution was pleased to have Olatunji-Bello join its leadership structure.

Akindele said her appointment would usher in a new phase of financial sustainability and infrastructure development while preserving the university’s founding vision and achievements under Ogundipe.

Ogundipe has since been appointed Chairman of the National Universities Commission Board.

Also congratulating Olatunji-Bello, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ayodeji Badejo, described the appointment as a recognition of her extensive experience in academic leadership, administration and institutional governance.

Badejo expressed confidence that the former LASU vice-chancellor would use her leadership experience to contribute significantly to the continued development of Redeemer’s University.

Olatunji-Bello served as LASU’s ninth substantive vice-chancellor from September 2021 to September 2026, becoming the second woman to lead the university.

She became a professor of physiology in 2007 and was elevated to the rank of Distinguished Professor by LASU in January 2026.

She began her academic career at the University of Lagos in 1988 as an assistant lecturer and subsequently rose through various academic and administrative positions.

Her previous roles at LASU include Head of the Department of Physiology, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Director of the Directorate of Advancement.

She holds a doctorate in Physiology from the University of Lagos and is a member of the National Institute, having completed Course 34 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, in 2012.

In 2023, she was also honoured with the National Productivity Order of Merit Award by former President Muhammadu Buhari.