History was made at Ajayi Crowther University Oyo, as Professor (Mrs.) Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole, FNAL, assumed office as the first female and fifth Vice Chancellor of the prestigious institution. Her appointment marks a turning point not only in the life of the university but also in the broader story of women’s leadership in Nigerian academia.
For many, this milestone is more than a routine transition. It is a symbol of progress, a reminder that intellectual excellence and moral integrity transcend gender, and a clarion call for more women to step boldly into spaces once thought unattainable.
A Life Rooted in Faith and Purpose
Born on September 10, 1962, into the family of the late Very Revd (Sir) Fredrick Oyenuga and Helen Olufunke Womiloju of Ogere–Remo, Ogun State, Professor Oduwole grew up steeped in Christian values and academic discipline. Her father, a Methodist priest and school principal, and her mother, a devout church leader, laid the foundation for a life of service, integrity, and resilience.
Her Yoruba names tell a story: Ebunoluwa (“God’s gift”) and Olufemi (“God loves me”). Indeed, her journey reflects both divine grace and relentless hard work.
Academic Brilliance and Global Reach
Professor Oduwole’s academic sojourn began at United Missionary College Demonstration School and continued at St Anne’s School, Molete, and Remo Secondary School, Sagamu. She later obtained her BA, MA, and PhD in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan, as well as an MSc in Bioethics from a consortium of European universities.
For over 40 years, she has lectured, mentored, and shaped the minds of students across Nigerian universities and abroad. As a renowned scholar of Philosophy, Ethics, and Bioethics, she has produced groundbreaking research on issues ranging from organ transplantation and artificial intelligence to African communitarian ethics. Her writings embody a rare blend of intellectual depth and cultural relevance.
A Torchbearer in Leadership and Service
Since becoming a Professor in 2013, Oduwole has distinguished herself not only in classrooms but also in university administration. She has served as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dean of Arts, Head of Department, and chair of several strategic committees. She has led major research projects funded by bodies like TETFund, the NIH, and the British Council, and participated in global conversations on ethics, genome editing, and gender-based violence.
Her commitment extends beyond academia. As an Anglican clergy wife, mentor, and community leader, she embodies the spirit of “town and gown” integration, bridging the gap between scholarship and societal transformation.
Awards, Fellowships, and Recognition
Professor Oduwole is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (FNAL), a recognition reserved for the country’s most distinguished scholars in the humanities. Her academic laurels include the Dean’s Prize at the University of Ibadan, the Alvan Ikoku Prize in Philosophy, and an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship in Bioethics.
She is a member of several professional bodies, including the Philosophers Association of Nigeria, Bioethics Society of Nigeria, and the Consortium of Universities for Global Health.
The Dawn of a New Era at Ajayi Crowther University
With her appointment, Ajayi Crowther University has broken a 19-year tradition of male vice chancellors. For students, staff, and alumni, her emergence signals the beginning of a leadership era anchored in scholarship, integrity, and innovation.
Professor Oduwole steps into office at a time when Nigerian universities face challenges ranging from funding gaps to global competitiveness. Yet, her vision is clear: to strengthen ACU’s academic standing, drive research with societal impact, and nurture a new generation of leaders guided by ethics and excellence.
More Than a Title, A Legacy in the Making
To many, her story echoes that of trailblazers like Grace Alele-Williams, Nigeria’s first female Vice Chancellor at UNIBEN. Yet Professor Oduwole’s path is uniquely hers — a combination of faith, scholarship, resilience, and a determination to show that leadership knows no gender.
In her own words, she comes not merely to occupy a seat, but “to redefine what it means to lead — with scholarship as her scepter, integrity as her robe, and generational uplift as her charge.”
As Ajayi Crowther University turns this historic page, one truth rings louder than ever: Excellence knows no gender. And destiny bows to no ceiling.