Professor Afolarin Ojewole Takes Charge As Babcock University Vice-Chancellor, Unveils Five-Point Agenda

… Ademola Tayo Bows Out Symbolically

It was a grand ceremony as the management of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, inaugurated its fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole.

The tenure of Professor Ademola Tayo, the third Vice-Chancellor of the faith-based institution, ended on December 1, 2025, having administered the university for two terms from 2015 to 2025.

Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, the new Vice-Chancellor, revealed a five-point agenda that his administration will implement to run the university’s daily operations at an elaborate and colourful inauguration ceremony held at the University Stadium.

He provided an explanation of how his blueprint would be directed by the acronym ‘GRACE’. This, according to him, translates to G for globally relevant institution, R research focused, A Adventist focused, C for competent community and E for entrepreneurial.

Speaking further at his inauguration tagged ‘A new chapter’, he explained that his vision and commitment as the new leader of Babcock University will draw inspiration from spiritual integrity and a mission-centered approach to education and community service.

He expressed gratitude and acknowledged the foundational roles of his predecessors, articulating a deep commitment to uphold the values and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist faith within the institution.

Professor Ojewole charged the university community to rise and join hands with him in building a Babcock University that is committed to building people, smart classrooms, and research laboratories that meet international standards.

According to him, his tenure would prioritise the development of individuals over profits or political gains as he aims to build a community that emphasises personal and academic growth, nurtures individuals for leadership roles, emphasises personal integrity, excellence, and a commitment to service.

Professor Ojewole stated that his vision for Babcock University will involve modern facilities, enhanced academic programmes, and improved operational efficiency through technology and strategic initiatives.

‘We will use the technology to support Finance, HR, Bursary, the Registry, the Teaching Hospital, and other units that are efficient, reliable, and capable of enhancing our growth,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor announced that a truth, healing, and reconciliation commission has been set up to meet throughout the week, and urged all those seeking redress to contact the Employment Growth Department to schedule an appointment.

‘As I’m speaking to you right now, we have deployed online what I call BU Voice. I am pleased to announce this initiative that enhances our ability to listen to you and serve our community. BU Voice is our official digital platform for reporting issues, sharing ideas, and receiving timely feedback from staff, parents, and students. They can engage anonymously if they want, but they can also engage transparently and report things to us and share ideas.

He guaranteed that his administration would increase the population of foreign students, guarantee a uniform curriculum, achieve 100% accreditation, and receive certifications from international bodies.

Earlier, his predecessor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, in his scorecard, said his tenure recorded a legacy of fiscal discipline, revenue diversification, facility upgrades, and philanthropy.

He urged his successor to continue his unfinished works in the areas of ongoing professional accreditations, major construction projects still in progress, further ICT security upgrades, strengthening the endowment portfolio, and concluding pending research collaborations and grants.

The inauguration featured the ceremonial robing and formal introduction of a new Pro-chancellor and symbolic pullout of Prof Ademola Tayo and his wife in a cart.

Prof. Ojewole later met with members of the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN) and a group of other journalists.

EWAN’s chairman, Mr. Mojeed Alabi, assured the new leadership of the university that the institution’s activities would be reported objectively, making sure that media interactions with the university were constructive and based on balanced reporting.