Archbishop Fape, New ACU Visitor, Pledges to Elevate University to "First Choice" Status

The newly appointed Visitor to Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, and Chairman of Supra Board West of the Anglican Church, The Most Rev'd Dr. Michael Olusina Fape, has outlined his vision to propel institution to greater heights, declaring commitment to making it university of first choice for prospective students seeking quality education grounded in sound morality.

In an interview with ACU Media, Archbishop Fape, who recently assumed leadership of Supra-West, expressed gratitude for appointment and emphasised deep historical connection to university, tracing it to formative years.

The Visitor, who earned PhD from University of Aberdeen in New Testament Studies 30 years ago, brings blend of academic excellence and spiritual leadership. He succeeds The Most Rev'd Dr. Joseph Akinfenwa and acknowledged foundation laid by predecessors.

"I'm only coming in to build on what my predecessors have done. I look forward to Ajayi Crowther University becoming a university of first choice by special grace of God among prospective students looking for quality higher education with sound morality," he said.

Speaking on synergy between Board and management, he emphasised importance of collaboration.

"A tree does not make a forest. I want to see collaboration between university community, Supra-West and owners of university," he said, describing his role as "midwife" ensuring effective communication between proprietors and management while recognising academic community as "real soul of University."

"A university without sound academic programme is no university. Academic environment is kernel of community and must be related with to bring out best," he stressed.

Ahead of November convocation where he will preside as Visitor for first time, Archbishop noted Ajayi Crowther campus was "holy ground for training men of God" in 19th century.

Speaking on alumni engagement, he outlined plans to leverage convocation, leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole and Pro-Chancellor Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo to mobilise old students.

The Visitor described recent blessing of ACU Chapel on October 17, 2026, as fulfilment of long-held dream, noting his role as Chairman of LAIBONK Anglican Clergy Welfare Foundation which made substantial financial interventions. "I want to see it fully completed in next one year - before October 2027," he said.

He gave ringing endorsement of Council under Dr. Okeowo and Prof. Oduwole's leadership, citing achievements within her first year including accreditation of Medicine and Pharmacy programmes and expansion of Law Faculty.

"When you have dynamic leaders, organisation will also be dynamic. Coming on board of Professor Oduwole is great gift to Ajayi Crowther University," he said, projecting that if momentum is maintained, ACU will be ranked among top five best private universities in Nigeria by end of her tenure.

Addressing unique challenge facing faith-based universities, Visitor emphasised Christian ethos must permeate every aspect of university life.

He called for harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence as prerequisites for progress.

By Emeka S. Oluka