Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, has made history by appointing Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole as its first-ever female Vice-Chancellor.
Her appointment was confirmed by the university’s Governing Council in a statement released on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for both the institution and Nigeria’s higher education landscape. She will succeed Professor Timothy Adebayo, whose five-year tenure is coming to an end.
Professor Oduwole’s selection followed a highly competitive process that highlighted her impressive academic and administrative credentials, built over nearly four decades in the Nigerian university system.
“Oduwole brings on board an exceptional wealth of experience in university administration, spanning over 39 years of service,” the statement read.
She holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy, along with B.A. and M.A. degrees in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan. In addition, she earned a Master’s degree in Bioethics through a consortium of leading European institutions: Katholieke University Leuven (Belgium), Radboud University Nijmegen (Netherlands), and the University of Padova (Italy).
Oduwole began her academic career at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in 1985, eventually rising to become a Professor of African Philosophy. Her areas of expertise include Ethics, Bioethics, Philosophy of Religion, Gender Studies, and African Studies.
She has held several leadership roles at OOU, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (2016–2018), Vice-Chancellor (Administration) (2018–2020), Head of the Department of Philosophy (2003–2006), and Dean of the Faculty of Arts.
Beyond her home institution, she has contributed to the broader academic community through her involvement in university committees and boards at the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and Osun State University. She also serves on the Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University and the Church of Nigeria Theological Accreditation and Regulatory Board.
Her appointment is expected to usher in a new era of inclusive, ethical, and visionary leadership at Ajayi Crowther University.