VC Unveils Vision for Enhanced PG School, Shares Personal Story of Resilience
The Vice-Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, has outlined an ambitious vision for the institution’s postgraduate school, focusing on infrastructural development, academic excellence, and timely programme completion.
Speaking at a meeting with the Postgraduate Students of the university, Prof. Oduwole emphasised the need for a “proper structure” for the postgraduate school, drawing inspiration from some first generation universities in Nigeria. She noted her interest in a dedicated guest house for postgraduate and part-time students, which she believes alumni can help establish, and a fully furnished library to support advanced research.
According to her, “Presently, we are speaking with stakeholders to mark out a guest house dedicated to postgraduate students,” stressing the importance of creating a conducive environment for learning.
On the academic front, the Vice-Chancellor announced that a robust structure is already in place but noted that the university can always do better. She outlined specific timelines for programmes completion, such as six semesters for full-time students and eight semesters for part-time students.
Sharing her personal journey on the academic ladder as an inspiration, Prof. Oduwole recounted how she abandoned her PhD programme for four years due to personal challenges and that she eventually returned to complete it within a record three years at the University of Ibadan, demonstrating resilience and determination.
“Anything can happen in this world. The most important thing is resilience, strong will, determination,” she advised students. “Wherever God has ordained that you will be in life, you will get there.”
The Vice-Chancellor revealed that under the new academic structure, postgraduate students will be expected to publish at least two papers on their work in international journals each year, ensuring they become “all-round scholars” rather than merely adding a degree without tangible achievements.
Prof. Oduwole’s vision aims to break the “jinx” of prolonged postgraduate programmes, urging students to finish on record time. “Part of our vision is that we have a structural academic index, and all our students should finish on record time so that they can move into the world as Godly intellectuals,” she declared.
It should be recalled that the university has recently received accreditation for several academic programmes and is expanding its course offerings, including introducing diploma and certificate courses across all faculties.
Appreciating the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the Postgraduate Students, the Lord Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Ife, Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade thanked Prof. Oduwole and her management team for the lofty ideas meant to drive the university to an enviable position among other ivory towers in the country. He prayed and blessed the students, management team, the university and its stakeholders at large.
Other contributors at the event were, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Afolake Olanbiwonninu; the University Librarian, Prof. Abosede Ajiboye; the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Joseph Ibikunle and the Sub-Dean, Postgraduate School, Dr. Ayokanmi Ore. They all addressed varying topics that ranged from winning and managing grants alongside the Postgraduate Students and issues of plagiarism and Turnitin platform.
The meeting with the Postgraduate Students aligns with the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of making ACU a centre for academic excellence through innovation, research & entrepreneurship development.