Ajayi Crowther University graduates 2,336 at 17th convocation

The Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Professor Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole, shared key milestones from her first two months in office and outlined new academic, structural and administrative steps planned ahead of the University’s 17th Convocation Ceremony.

Professor Oduwole said her team had settled quickly into work, with clear focus on stronger teaching, better student support and wider visibility for the University across the country and beyond.

A total of 3,633 students will graduate this year. The undergraduate group has 2,336 students, with 76 earning First Class Honours, 1,408 in Second Class Upper, 810 in Second Class Lower and 42 in Third Class. The postgraduate group includes 170 postgraduate diplomas and 1,127 Master’s degrees.

She noted that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had recently carried out accreditation and re-accreditation checks on seven programmes, and the University expects positive reports. Three new programmes—Journalism and Media Studies, Broadcasting and Information and Media Science—are waiting for NUC resource verification. The University also plans to introduce its Artificial Intelligence degree once approval is granted.

Preparations for a new College of Health Sciences have been completed. The college will run programmes in Medicine, Pharmacy and other health fields once it begins operations.

To make better use of campus space, the University has reassigned major faculties. Agriculture now runs at the Kiyeseni Awe Campus, Engineering now operates from the Offa Meta Campus, while Computing has taken over the former Engineering complex.

The Vice Chancellor also shared updates on improved internet access made possible through new telecoms partnerships. Work on the University Health Centre is ongoing, with building repairs, new staff recruitment and fresh equipment already lined up. Plans for a modern teaching hospital are also in progress.

She pointed to student achievements in practical work, competitions and sports. These included engineering students who built a solar-powered irrigation system and law students who performed strongly at national moot trials. She stressed the University’s firm stand against drug abuse and its continued work with the NDLEA.

Professor Oduwole also announced the coming Research Grant Clinic, which will guide staff as they apply for grants. Efforts to support staff growth, training and welfare are also being strengthened.

As part of the convocation events, staff and students from the Faculties of Agriculture and Engineering presented new creations such as farm tools, agro-processing machines, solar solutions, software applications and farm produce.

She also celebrated ACU alumni, including Olaseinde-Williams Godwin Oluseye, who is listed among the world’s top 2 percent most influential scientists.

The Vice Chancellor restated the University’s focus on sound teaching, steady growth and strong moral values, noting that ACU aims to prepare students with skills that help them progress in a fast-changing society.