Ajayi Crowther University Appoints Prof. Oduwole as First Female VC

BY Victoria otonyemeba
September 25, 2025
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Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo, Nigeria, has appointed Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole as its new Vice-Chancellor, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history.

Prof. Oduwole becomes the first female to hold the position, succeeding Prof. Timothy Adebayo, whose five-year tenure ends this month.

During a ceremony celebrating Prof. Adebayo’s tenure, the University’s Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, praised the outgoing Vice-Chancellor for his exceptional leadership, noting that the institution achieved tremendous growth under his watch despite the country’s challenging economic conditions.

“Between 2020 and now, this University has witnessed tremendous growth,” Okeowo said, commending Adebayo’s ability to ensure yearly growth.

Okeowo expressed gratitude to the University’s management, principal officers, and staff for their contributions to Adebayo’s success, emphasizing that teamwork played a crucial role in the institution’s achievements.

“A tree does not make a forest. Prof. Adebayo has achieved so much simply because he has a dedicated team,” he said.

The Pro-Chancellor reaffirmed the Governing Council’s goal to develop the University and elevate its ranking among the world’s best institutions. “When we came on board, we had a clear goal that this University must be ranked among the best 1000 Universities in the world,” he stated.

Prof. Oduwole, a seasoned academic and administrator, brings extensive experience to her new role. With over 39 years of service in the Nigerian university system, she has held various leadership positions, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Her research interests include African Philosophy, Ethics, and Bioethics.

The Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Willliams Aladekugbe, praised Adebayo’s leadership, saying, “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.”