Redeemer’s University, Thomas Adewumi University Forge Partnership in Renewable Energy and Agriculture

In a move to strengthen institutional collaboration and enhance service delivery, innovation, and sustainable growth in higher education, the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, paid a courtesy visit to Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) in Oko-Irese, Kwara State, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Prof Akindele was received by his counterpart, Professor Francisca Oladipo, and other principal officers of the university. The delegation from Redeemer’s University included the Registrar, Mr David Akintola; Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Chairman of the University Committee on Agricultural Projects, Prof Olumide Adesanya; Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Adetunji Adeleye; Deputy University Librarian and Acting Director of Student Support Services, Dr Basiru Adetomiwa; Acting Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development Studies (RUNCEEDS), Dr Elizabeth Abiola-Oke; and Secretary to the Management Team, Mr Ademola Adedeji.

During the visit, the team toured TAU’s campus, including the university library, classrooms furnished with locally made desks and chairs, a solar farm, engineering workshop, nursing and anatomy laboratories, livestock and crop farms, and a cattle ranch.

Professor Oladipo shared the story of the university’s founding by Dr Johnson Bamidele O. Adewumi, who also serves as Chancellor. Licensed on May 18, 2021, TAU is just over four years old. She recounted that Dr Adewumi, after completing advanced studies at Imperial College, UK, returned to his community and began establishing educational institutions, starting with a primary school in 1996, followed by a secondary school. She said the university was a natural progression aimed at providing an excellent academic environment for the development of ideas and knowledge for the benefit of humanity.

Highlighting the university’s self-reliance, Prof Oladipo noted that TAU produces much of its own construction materials, woodwork, and metalwork. She also emphasized that students pursue two international certifications alongside their chosen career programs, reflecting a strong commitment to academic excellence. The institution has also achieved self-sufficiency in areas such as food production, agriculture, and renewable energy, and is now seeking partnerships to expand its impact.

Prof Akindele expressed delight at the visit, noting that exposure to other institutions provides valuable learning opportunities. He praised TAU’s achievements in renewable energy and self-sufficiency as areas where Redeemer’s University could learn and collaborate.

He also highlighted similarities between the institutions, particularly in entrepreneurship and vocational education. At Redeemer’s University, students enroll in vocational courses alongside their degree programs, ensuring they graduate with both academic and vocational qualifications. Prof Akindele also shared Redeemer’s successes in research, internal revenue generation, grant funding, scholarships, and student enrolment.

Concluding the visit, he said, “An institution must always see opportunities to learn and take advantage of those opportunities to remain relevant and current. We are very pleased to be here.”