ACU Will Not Compromise Academic Standards, VC Oduwole Declares at CGTS Matriculation

The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Ebunoluwa Oduwole, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards across its programmes and affiliated institutions.

Prof. Oduwole made the declaration during the matriculation ceremony for newly admitted postgraduate students of the Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary held on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Addressing matriculating students and guests at the event, the Vice-Chancellor assured the seminary of Ajayi Crowther University’s continued institutional support, noting that both institutions operate under an existing Memorandum of Understanding covering the training of students in Religious Studies.

According to her, the partnership includes programmes leading to the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts (M.A.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

Prof. Oduwole also challenged the newly admitted students to prepare themselves intellectually and spiritually for the realities of modern ministry and theological engagement.

“Dear matriculants, you’re raised by the church for the end time. You need to prepare yourself for ‘the arguments for and arguments against’, because gone are the days when your congregations were not learned,” she stated.

The Vice-Chancellor further expressed appreciation to the Anglican Primate, Henry Ndukuba, for his leadership and appealed to the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion to provide greater financial support toward the growth and sustainability of the seminary.

Delivering a congratulatory message at the ceremony, the Primate, who also serves as Chancellor and Visitor, was represented by Emmanuel Adekunle, Bishop of Egba Diocese.

He charged the matriculating students to distinguish themselves in both learning and character throughout their academic journey.

“You will be trained in academics, moral and discipline. Serve the church and Nigeria and do not see this as a personal investment,” he told the students while calling for increased moral and financial support for theological education.

Earlier in his remarks, the Rector of the seminary, Rotimi Omotoye, welcomed guests and traced the institution’s history to its establishment in 2009 as a postgraduate centre for advanced theological studies.

He reaffirmed the seminary’s commitment to upholding the academic standards and institutional values of Ajayi Crowther University in its Religious Studies programmes.

The highlight of the ceremony was a matriculation lecture titled “Nation Building and Theological Thought: The Burden, the Responsibilities and the Existence Precarity,” delivered by David Olali of the University of Georgia.

The event also featured the administration of the matriculation oath and signing of official documents by the newly admitted students.

Among dignitaries present were Samuel Ogundeji, Olukayode Binuyo, Bode Olofinmuagun, Ishaya Anthony, Paul Akanbi, Stephen Solanke, and Ayo Ogidiolu, alongside other scholars and church leaders.