Augustine University Holds Thanksgiving Mass for Leadership Transition

Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, on Friday, 29th August 2025, held a Thanksgiving Mass to mark the end of the five-year tenure of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Odetunde, and to officially inaugurate the new Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Anthony Akinwale, OP.

In his homily during the Mass, the University Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Andrew Toye, drew inspiration from the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13), emphasizing that the collective role of the University community is to “fill the lamps of our students with oil – oil that comprises vocations, sense of truth, character development, and service – to ensure they graduate with these values.”

He urged the University community to carry oil in abundance, “so that it will burn far, cast its light forward, and outlive us.” Reflecting on the institution’s journey, Rev. Fr. Toye stated that Augustine University has passed through “a process of endurance for the past ten years and is still standing strong.”

Drawing a parallel with the Catholic Church, which has faced numerous challenges yet remains resilient, Rev. Fr. Toye remarked, “We cannot be judged by speed, but by endurance and the oil of wisdom. We must not only prepare for quick achievements but for long-lasting impact, like the wise virgins who carried extra oil for their lamps.”

He congratulated the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Odetunde, the second substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution, for his contributions during his five-year tenure and encouraged the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Akinwale, to continue steering the University toward greater success.

Following the Mass, a reception was held at the University Cafeteria, where staff members and guests paid glowing tributes to Prof. Odetunde. A gift was presented to him in recognition of his service.

The event also featured the formal presentation of the new Vice-Chancellor to the University community by the newly appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Dame Winifred Akpani, on behalf of the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Sir Steve Omojafor, OON.

During the ceremony, Rev. Prof. Akinwale unveiled his new book titled Truth in the Waters of Wisdom, with a quick review delivered by one of its editors, Rev. Fr. Francis Adedara.

Dignitaries in attendance included Dame Doja Otedola, mother of the University’s Chancellor, Mr. Olufemi Otedola, CON; HRM Oba (Dr.) Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom and Member, Board of Trustees, Augustine University; HRH Olori Bolanle Ogunsanwo; Catholic priests and reverend sisters of the Archdiocese of Lagos and Ijebu-Ode Diocese; as well as distinguished guests, staff members, friends, and well-wishers of the University.

The announcement was made by Nicholas Obayi, Head of Public Affairs, Augustine University.