ACU Vice-Chancellor Unveils Vision for Stronger Postgraduate School, Urges Students to Embrace Resilience

The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for transforming the university's Postgraduate School, with a strong focus on infrastructure, academic excellence, research, and timely completion of postgraduate programmes.

Prof. Oduwole disclosed the vision while addressing postgraduate students during an interactive meeting, where she outlined plans aimed at positioning the institution among Nigeria's leading centres for postgraduate education.

She explained that the university is working towards establishing a more structured postgraduate system, drawing inspiration from first-generation universities in Nigeria. As part of the plan, the university is engaging stakeholders to develop a dedicated guest house for postgraduate and part-time students, while also expanding and equipping the library to better support advanced research.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, creating a conducive learning environment remains a priority for the university.

"Presently, we are speaking with stakeholders to mark out a guest house dedicated to postgraduate students," she said.

Prof. Oduwole noted that although the university already has a solid academic structure for postgraduate studies, efforts are ongoing to improve the system further. She reaffirmed the institution's commitment to ensuring that students complete their programmes within the approved timelines of six semesters for full-time students and eight semesters for part-time students.

Sharing her personal academic journey, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged students to remain determined despite life's challenges. She recalled suspending her PhD programme for four years due to personal circumstances before returning to complete it within three years at the University of Ibadan.

She described resilience, determination, and perseverance as essential qualities for academic success.

"Anything can happen in this world. The most important thing is resilience, strong will and determination. Wherever God has ordained that you will be in life, you will get there," she told the students.

As part of efforts to strengthen research output, Prof. Oduwole announced that postgraduate students will be expected to publish at least two papers annually in international journals. According to her, the initiative is designed to produce well-rounded scholars with strong research credentials rather than graduates who possess only academic certificates.

She added that the university is determined to eliminate prolonged postgraduate programmes by ensuring students complete their studies within record time.

"Part of our vision is that we have a structural academic index, and all our students should finish on record time so that they can move into the world as Godly intellectuals," she said.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the university's recent academic achievements, including the accreditation of several programmes and the expansion of its academic offerings through the introduction of diploma and certificate programmes across various faculties.

Speaking on behalf of the postgraduate students, the Lord Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ife, Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade, expressed appreciation to Prof. Oduwole and the university management for their commitment to strengthening postgraduate education.

He commended the administration's vision for positioning the university among Nigeria's leading higher institutions and offered prayers for the students, management, and the university community.

Also contributing during the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Afolake Olanbiwonninu; the University Librarian, Prof. Abosede Ajiboye; the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Joseph Ibikunle; and the Sub-Dean of the Postgraduate School, Dr. Ayokanmi Ore. They delivered presentations on research grants, grant management, plagiarism prevention, and the effective use of the Turnitin platform.

The engagement forms part of the Vice-Chancellor's broader vision of establishing Ajayi Crowther University as a centre of academic excellence driven by innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.