ACU Holds Leadership Retreat, Charges New Deans, HODs on Service, Integrity
Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, Units, and Committees at Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, have been charged on service delivery, integrity, and the need to walk the talk in their service to God, the university, and humanity.
The charge was given during a four-day leadership retreat organised for newly appointed Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, and Heads of Units and Committees, aimed at strengthening effective leadership and promoting institutional growth.
The retreat, held from 6th to 9th August 2026, featured a blend of spiritual, intellectual, and physical activities designed to equip the newly appointed leaders for effective service delivery.
In her welcome address at the opening ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, spoke on the theme, “Come Labour On as Faithful Stewards in God’s Vineyard.” She emphasised that leadership positions in the university are not merely promotions but divine assignments for building the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the retreat was designed to help participants see their roles as responsibilities rooted in service, while also promoting faithful stewardship, discipline, and sustainable institutional development.
The first day of the retreat featured a Bible study session focused on “The Concept of Service,” with emphasis on availability and humility. Faculties also presented their respective action plans, outlining strategies for growth and development.
Lectures on germane topics such as the university’s examination system were delivered. The session stressed the need for strict adherence to timelines for submission of examination materials, as staff were urged to comply fully with established rules and regulations. It was emphasised that invigilators must arrive early at examination venues to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations.
There was also a session on compliance, risk management, and legal issues, where participants were informed that adherence to regulations protects the university from sanctions, financial losses, and litigation. Leaders were encouraged to proactively identify and manage risks before they escalate.
The second day featured talks on faithfulness, financial management, and a charge to “walk the talk.” The day began with sporting activities, followed by a Bible study session on faithfulness and diligence.
The University Bursar, Dr. Ayodele Olusanwo, delivered a lecture on financial management, focusing on effective handling of departmental funds and strategies for generating Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He urged Deans, Heads of Departments, and Directors to adopt innovative approaches that would enhance the university’s visibility and financial sustainability, encouraging faculties to organise training programmes and periodically review generated revenue.
A highlight of the day was the address by the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Governing Council Member of ACU, the Rt. Revd. Dr. Williams Aladekugbe, who charged the leaders to “walk the talk,” urging them to embody the theme “Come, Labour On: Nehemiah Leaders in Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.”
He stressed that modern university leadership has evolved beyond mere routine administration, now demanding “strategic thinking, strategic innovation, and stewardship” in a rapidly changing academic environment.
The Archbishop further laid out a framework of essential core values for effective and ethical leadership, including Honesty, Hard Work, Dependability, Respect, Punctuality, Communication, and Professional Conduct.
Participants also engaged in discussions on teaching methods across faculties, sharing best practices aimed at improving instructional delivery. Additional sessions focused on driving research output, supervising postgraduate students, and securing research grants.
The third day focused on holistic development and work ethics, beginning with sporting activities designed to promote wellness, teamwork, and bonding among participants. The Bible study session followed, titled “Serving God Through Others and God’s Blessings in True Service.”
In addition, a key session on staff-to-staff and staff-to-student relationships emphasised the importance of mutual respect and integrity within the university community. Facilitators noted that healthy relationships are fundamental to achieving institutional goals and maintaining a conducive academic environment.
The day’s discussions also focused on the roles, responsibilities, and action plans of various committees. Representatives of each committee highlighted their mandates and achievements so far, stressing that the essence of the committees is to ensure transparency and provide expert guidance for the growth of the institution.
In a lecture focused on work ethics, teamwork, and collaboration, Prof. Kehinde Ayantayo underscored the importance of unity among leaders. He noted that effective collaboration not only enhances productivity but also fosters collective intelligence and innovation within the university system.
Other activities of the day included a session on stress and stress management, where participants were equipped with strategies to manage workplace pressures. A mentoring session for young lecturers encouraged leaders to support colleagues through prayer, celebrate small achievements, and embrace correction with humility. Participants also engaged in a practical session on curriculum vitae writing, followed by a prayer session.
On the final day, Sunday, 9th August, the management and retreat participants were hosted at a communion and dedication service at the Crowther Hall of the university.
The service was conducted by the Rt. Revd. Dr. Olufemi Familoni. The clergyman took time to address the theme “Come, Labour On as a City Set on a Hill,” which was expected to inspire participants to serve as exemplary leaders and role models within and beyond the university.
In her closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor admonished the newly appointed leaders to refrain from condemning their predecessors but instead to build on existing foundations to move the university forward. She thanked Revd. Familoni for accepting to host the service and appreciated all participants for being part of the retreat in truth and spirit from day one.
The highpoint of the retreat occurred on the third day when the newly appointed leaders presented an award to the Vice-Chancellor in recognition of her exemplary leadership, dedication, and commitment to the growth and development of Ajayi Crowther University.
