Archbishop Fape Pledges to Make Ajayi Crowther University a First-Choice Institution

The newly appointed Visitor to Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, and Chairman of the Supra-Diocesan Board West of the Anglican Church, the Most Rev. Dr. Michael Olusina Fape, has pledged to elevate the institution and position it as a first-choice university for prospective students seeking quality education grounded in sound morality.

In an interview with ACU Media, Archbishop Fape, who recently assumed leadership of the Supra-West, expressed gratitude for his appointment and highlighted his longstanding connection with the university, dating back to its formative years.

The Visitor, who obtained his PhD in New Testament Studies from the University of Aberdeen 30 years ago, brings academic experience and spiritual leadership to his new role. He succeeds the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Akifenwa as Visitor and acknowledged the foundation laid by his predecessors.

"I'm only coming in to build on what my predecessors have done," he said, expressing optimism that, by the special grace of God, Ajayi Crowther University would become a first-choice institution for prospective students seeking quality higher education with sound morality.

On fostering synergy between the university's governing board and management, Archbishop Fape emphasised the importance of collaboration among the institution's stakeholders.

He noted that "a tree does not make a forest," stressing the need for cooperation among the university community, the Supra-West and the institution's proprietors.

Describing his intended role as that of a "midwife," the Visitor explained that he would facilitate effective communication between the proprietors and university management while recognising the academic community as the university's real soul.

"A university without a sound academic programme is no university," he stressed, adding that the academic environment is the core of the university community and must be adequately supported to bring out the best.

Ahead of the university's November convocation ceremony, where he will preside as Visitor for the first time, Archbishop Fape expressed reverence for the institution's historical significance.

He recalled that the Ajayi Crowther University campus served as "a holy ground for training men of God" in the 19th century.

The Archbishop described the forthcoming convocation as an opportunity to contribute to the institution through his knowledge, entrepreneurial experience and 22 years of service as a bishop.

Speaking on alumni engagement, he outlined plans to use the convocation ceremony, alongside the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, and the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, to mobilise former students to support the university's future projects.

Archbishop Fape also described the blessing of the ACU Chapel on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as the fulfilment of a long-held dream.

He expressed excitement over the development, recalling his role as Chairman of the LAIBONK Anglican Clergy Welfare Foundation, which made substantial financial contributions towards the chapel project.

The Visitor said he hoped to see the chapel fully completed within the next year, before October 2027.

He also recalled the passion of the late Papa Adetiloye, former Bishop of Lagos West, for the chapel project, expressing confidence that he would be pleased to see his vision coming into effective use.

Archbishop Fape commended the University Council under the leadership of Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, as well as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, for their leadership and achievements.

He particularly highlighted milestones recorded within Prof. Oduwole's first year in office, including the accreditation of the Medicine and Pharmacy programmes and the expansion of the Faculty of Law.

"When you have dynamic leaders, the organisation will also be dynamic," he said, describing Prof. Oduwole's appointment as a significant blessing to Ajayi Crowther University and the Supra-West.

The Visitor projected that if the Vice-Chancellor sustained her current momentum, the university could rank among the five best private universities in Nigeria by the end of her tenure.

Addressing the challenges facing faith-based universities, Archbishop Fape emphasised that ACU's Christian ethos must permeate every aspect of university life, irrespective of students' religious backgrounds.

He described the university chapel as the centre of worship and spiritual development, contributing to the holistic education of students.

In his message to staff, students, alumni and proprietors, the Visitor called for harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence, describing them as essential conditions for institutional progress and development.

He pledged to maintain regular communication with the Vice-Chancellor and university management, offering timely intervention whenever necessary rather than allowing problems to escalate.

Archbishop Fape concluded with a prayer for the university's continued progress, acknowledging that despite various challenges, ACU remains one of Nigeria's leading private universities. He attributed the institution's achievements to God's grace and the contributions of successive administrators.

He expressed confidence that, under Prof. Oduwole's leadership and with continued support from the Supra-West, Ajayi Crowther University would record even greater achievements.