In a landmark development in Nigerian higher education, the Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has appointed Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole as the university’s first female Vice-Chancellor since its establishment. The announcement marks a historic moment for the faith-based institution and a significant step forward for gender representation in academic leadership nationwide.

Professor Oduwole’s appointment comes as the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Adebayo, winds down after five years of service. She is expected to assume duties in the coming months, ushering in a new era of leadership for one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing private universities.

According to a statement released by the university on Tuesday, the selection of Professor Oduwole followed a rigorous, merit-based process conducted by the institution’s Governing Council. The statement noted that her appointment is in recognition of her “exceptional wealth of experience in university administration” and her consistent commitment to academic development in Nigeria over nearly four decades.

“Oduwole brings on board an exceptional wealth of experience in university administration, spanning over 39 years of service in the Nigerian university system,” the statement read.

The Council emphasized that the appointment reflects ACU’s vision to blend academic excellence, innovative leadership, and inclusive representation at the highest levels of administration.

Professor Oduwole holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan, where she also earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy. Her academic curiosity and drive for interdisciplinary knowledge led her to obtain a Master of Science in Bioethics from a consortium of elite European universities, including; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands University of Padova, Italy

Her areas of specialisation include Ethics, Bioethics, Philosophy of Religion, Gender Studies, and African Philosophy, making her a highly regarded figure in Nigeria’s intellectual and academic circles. She has served on multiple panels and strategic academic boards at prestigious institutions including; University of Ibadan, University of Ibadan, Lagos State University, Osun State University.

Professor Oduwole began her academic career in 1985 at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), formerly Ogun State University, where she steadily rose through the ranks to become a Professor of African Philosophy. Her tenure at OOU was marked by impactful leadership and scholarly productivity.

She held several key positions, including; Head, Department of Philosophy (2003–2006), Dean, Faculty of Arts, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (2016-2018), Vice-Chancellor (Administration) (2018–2020). Her administrative style is widely praised for being inclusive, strategic, and transparent, with a clear focus on institutional development and student welfare.

Her appointment represents more than just a professional milestone—it’s a historic win for gender inclusion in university leadership in Nigeria, where only a few women have risen to occupy the position of Vice-Chancellor across both public and private institutions.

Observers see this as a bold statement by ACU that aligns with global efforts to promote equality in education management and create more opportunities for women in senior academic roles.