ACU Holds Maiden Workshop for Shop Owners Ahead of Student Resumption

Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo on Wednesday, 23 October, 2026 organised its first-ever workshop for shop owners operating within the university community.

The workshop, themed "Enhancing Service Quality, Innovation and Sustainability in the University Business Ecosystem," brought together shop owners and relevant members of the university community to discuss ways of improving the quality of services rendered to students and staff.

Speaking at the workshop, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, emphasised the importance of shop owners to the smooth running of the university community, noting that they play a significant role in meeting the daily needs of students and staff.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the purpose of the workshop was to make the shop owners understand how important and relevant they are to the university community. She encouraged them to continue to improve their businesses and provide quality services, stressing that students depend on the services they render for their daily needs.

In a separate lecture titled "Honesty, Excellence and Stewardship in Business," delivered by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oduwole charged the shop owners to uphold honesty and truthfulness in their dealings with the University and their customers.

She explained that excellence requires business owners to properly package themselves and their businesses, while also developing the ability to manage their resources effectively. She further described stewardship as the responsible management of resources entrusted to individuals by God and man.

The keynote speaker at the event, Prof. Ibikunle Joseph, urged the shop owners to build and maintain a good customer base by providing quality and affordable services. He advised them to ensure that their prices are moderate while also maintaining high standards of cleanliness in their business environment.

Prof. Joseph who is also the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences further encouraged the shop owners to embrace digitalisation in their businesses and remain calm and patient when attending to customers. He urged them to cultivate good relationships with one another and carry out their businesses with dedication and commitment.

During the interactive session, Ven. Dr. Victor Akintoye took participants through the terms and conditions guiding the allocation of shops within the university, providing clarification on the responsibilities and expectations of shop owners.

Also speaking, the University Librarian, Prof. Bosede Ajiboye, highlighted three important elements of service quality capable of attracting and retaining customers to include Smile, Speed and Service. She encouraged the shop owners to be welcoming, prompt and committed to delivering satisfactory services to their customers.

The workshop provided an opportunity for shop owners to gain practical knowledge on customer relations, business management, service quality and responsible business practices as the university prepares to welcome students for the new academic session.