ACU Graduates Equipped with Academic Degrees and Entrepreneurial Skills, Pro-Chancellor Declares

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, has said the institution is committed to producing graduates with strong academic qualifications, entrepreneurial skills and professional integrity to compete effectively in the global labour market.

Dr. Okeowo made this known during an interview with the university's media team ahead of its 18th Convocation Ceremony.

Speaking on the competitiveness of ACU graduates, he explained that the university equips students with entrepreneurial knowledge alongside their chosen academic disciplines, effectively providing them with two qualifications upon graduation.

He disclosed that the institution would continue to strengthen its Entrepreneurship Centre to ensure students acquire practical skills that would prepare them for opportunities beyond conventional employment.

According to him, ACU graduates have consistently demonstrated excellence and served as worthy ambassadors of the institution, particularly in corporate organisations.

He noted that employers often give favourable feedback about the university's graduates because of their competence and commitment to integrity, which he described as particularly important in the financial sector.

Dr. Okeowo also disclosed that four major infrastructure projects would be commissioned during the forthcoming 18th Convocation Ceremony.

He explained that the university was pursuing an ambitious goal of securing a place among the world's top 1,000 universities, adding that convocation ceremonies provide opportunities to showcase institutional development and commission completed projects while celebrating with church leaders and other distinguished guests.

On the university's governance structure, the Pro-Chancellor explained that the Governing Council and the Vice-Chancellor's management team operate within the framework of the institution's faith-based ownership under the Anglican Communion worldwide.

He described the Governing Council as a board of trustees responsible for formulating policies, while the university management is charged with implementing them in accordance with the institution's governing laws.

Addressing the financial challenges confronting private universities, Dr. Okeowo identified tuition fees, endowments and commercial ventures as the institution's three major revenue sources.

He said the Governing Council had prioritised the effective management of these resources through budgetary controls and regular reviews of monthly and quarterly cash flows.

The Pro-Chancellor also acknowledged the contributions of the Anglican Church's Laibonk Foundation, which provides regular financial support to the university and has funded the construction of its chapel.

Reflecting on the significance of the forthcoming convocation, Dr. Okeowo noted that it would be the first to be presided over by Archbishop Fape as Chairman of the Supra Board West and would also coincide with Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole's first year as Vice-Chancellor.

He expressed confidence in the leadership of Archbishop Fape, describing him as an intelligent, accomplished and articulate leader.

Dr. Okeowo reaffirmed the commitment of the Governing Council and university management to working together to strengthen Ajayi Crowther University's academic standing, infrastructure and global competitiveness.