ACU Launches Endowment Foundation to Fund Scholarships, Infrastructure and Research

Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has taken a strategic step toward long-term institutional development with the official inauguration of the Ajayi Crowther University Development Endowment Foundation, designed to support scholarships, infrastructure, and research across the institution.

The foundation was inaugurated on Thursday, 18th June 2026, at the University Council Chamber, marking what the institution described as a renewed commitment to academic excellence and sustainable growth.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, described the initiative as “a bold and strategic move” in the university’s development trajectory.

Dr. Okeowo explained that the foundation is established to mobilise resources for the university’s growth and to support key intervention programmes aimed at strengthening its academic and infrastructural base.

He outlined the foundation’s priority areas to include scholarships, infrastructure development, and research, stressing that the initiative is intended to ensure that financially constrained but deserving students have access to quality education through targeted financial support.

He further noted that the foundation will facilitate the development of modern classrooms, digital learning facilities, and well-equipped laboratories to improve teaching and learning outcomes, while also promoting research and innovation as critical drivers of national development.

Dr. Okeowo reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its identity as a faith-based institution anchored on strong moral and ethical values, adding that ACU has recorded significant progress in academic and infrastructural development over the years.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, while appreciating the Pro-Chancellor and members of the Endowment Committee, described the assignment as a weighty responsibility entrusted to individuals of proven character and integrity.

She expressed confidence in the committee’s capacity to mobilise both human and material resources for the university’s advancement and assured that management would work transparently and in alignment with the institution’s strategic goals.

Members of the Development Endowment Foundation include Barr. Olumide Sofowora (SAN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, Dr. Olajire Abiodun, Dr. Bode Olajumoke, Prof. Dapo Afolabi, and Mr. Chudi Illoh. While three members were physically present at the University Council Chamber, the remaining members participated virtually.

The inauguration was conducted by the Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, Archbishop of Ibadan Province. Following the ceremony, the committee members pledged commitment to the university’s development, describing their appointment as an opportunity to serve both God and humanity.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of personal books by Prof. Olufemi Peters, documenting his experiences as former Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and insights on human development.

After the ceremony, the Endowment Committee, University Council members, management team, and staff embarked on a facility tour of the Offa-Meta Campus and selected areas of the Ajegunle Campus, including the St. Andrews Chapel.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from the University Council, management, and Endowment Foundation members toward advancing the development agenda of Ajayi Crowther University.

Barr. Olumide Sofowora SAN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, Dr. Olajire Abiodun, Dr. Bode Olajumoke, Prof. Dapo Afolabi, Mr. Chudi Illoh.