Ajayi Crowther University VC Addresses DBA Students, Describes Them As "Special"

The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, ACU, Oyo, Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole, has described the current set of Doctors of Business Administration, DBA, students as special to the university, as she officially welcomed them to the programme.

Professor Oduwole gave the description while addressing the DBA students at the university, saying they are experienced professionals who have left their comfort zones in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and other parts of the country to be part of the programme.

During her address, she emphasized that the students are "very special" to the university, noting that their presence is always highly anticipated by both the programme organisers and the management.

"We know that you have left your comfort zone - Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, everywhere - to be with us here. That's also part of the reason why we appreciate you. So, I want to say that we love you," she said.

In a lighthearted moment, her remark elicited cheers, laughter, and applause from the audience, when she wished the students academic success.

Professor Oduwole further noted that the students, being adults with vast experience in their respective fields, are not coming to the classroom as "robots" but to put structure into their existing practical knowledge through theoretical engagement. She added that beyond note-taking, the programme would feature robust discussion sessions where students can share experiences from their various fields of endeavour.

Professor Oduwole shared her own experience teaching Communication and Leadership styles in research where she observed that leadership theories are not absolute. She concluded that "there is no one type of leadership style that is supreme." She however encouraged the students to be active participants in class. She noted that for classes like the DBA programme, there is no single way to answer a question because a lot of practical experiences come to play in arguments raised.

Concluding her address, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the students on behalf of the university management and wished them a fruitful stay.

Present at the brief were members of her management team, such as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor Afolake Olanbiwonninu; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Olukayode Binuyo; the Registrar, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun; the Bursar, Dr. Ayodele Olusanwo; the University Librarian, Professor Bose Ajiboye; and the Dean, Postgraduate Studies, Professor Paul Akanbi, among others.

The DBA programme at Ajayi Crowther University is designed to provide seasoned professionals with an opportunity to structure their practical experiences through rigorous theoretical engagement, fostering critical thinking and interactive learning.