Bishop Oduntan Declares ‘Renewal for a New Season’ as Ajayi Crowther University Begins 3-Day Fasting and Prayer

The Bishop of Oyo Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Olugbenga Oduntan, has declared a “Renewal for a new season” upon Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, as the institution commenced a three-day fasting and prayer programme ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session.

Bishop Oduntan made the declaration while delivering an exhortation titled “Fresh Oil: Renewal for a New Session” at the commencement of the spiritual programme declared by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole.

The three-day fasting and prayer programme commenced on Wednesday, October 7, and is scheduled to end on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Speaking from Psalm 92:10, Bishop Oduntan said the beginning of a new academic session requires more than fresh plans, renewed goals and human effort, stressing the need for divine direction, strength and wisdom.

He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for inviting him to participate in the spiritual exercise, describing the initiative as an indication that the university leadership recognises the importance of the spiritual dimension in securing the destiny of an institution.

According to him, academic qualifications and financial resources alone cannot secure an institution’s destiny, as its ultimate security and success depend on God.

He explained that the three-day programme was designed to commit the new academic session into God’s hands and seek His guidance and presence throughout the session.

“If God is not at the centre of what we are doing, there are dimensions that human capacity cannot attain,” he said.

The bishop stressed that every new academic session should be accompanied by a fresh encounter with God, describing prayer as an acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty and an important means of seeking divine direction.

He urged members of the university community, particularly students, to commit their ways to the Lord and avoid relying solely on their own understanding, encouraging them to acknowledge God in all their ways.

Bishop Oduntan also encouraged students to ask God for “fresh oil,” which he described as representing fresh knowledge, strength, wisdom, passion, ideas, creativity, vision, faith and the capacity to fulfil their responsibilities.

He, however, noted that the pursuit of fresh oil must be accompanied by consecration, urging members of the university community to rededicate themselves to God as they begin the new academic session.

The first day of the programme featured prayer sessions and prophetic declarations for the guidance and protection of the university’s management team, staff, students and other stakeholders.

The three-day fasting and prayer programme is also aimed at seeking God’s guidance, strength and presence throughout the 2026/2027 academic session.