Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, on Monday, formally introduced its new President and Vice-Chancellor, Afolarin Ojewole, a pastor and professor, who pledged a governance agenda anchored on mission fidelity, community rebuilding and institutional renewal.
Succeeding Ademola Tayo, a professor, who led the institution for 10 years, Mr Ojewole assumes office as the university’s fourth substantive vice chancellor with a pledge to strengthen its Seventh-day Adventist identity, enhance people-centred governance, and modernise its operations.
Delivering his inaugural address, the new helmsman outlined a broad vision, which according to him, will reposition the school for global relevance while deepening its spiritual identity.
‘A sacred responsibility’
Speaking before a gathering that included past and present university leaders, royal fathers, clergy, faculty, students and alumni, Mr Ojewole expressed gratitude for what he described as “a sacred responsibility of shaping character for service in this world and the world to come.”
He traced his journey from “village missions to global platforms”, saying his leadership philosophy is rooted in four generations of Seventh-day Adventist heritage and a commitment to “serve God, uplift people and steward purpose with excellence.”
“Our strength shall remain our spiritual identity. Babcock University is not merely an academic institution but a sacred trust, a covenant between the Church and the future,” he said.
Honouring predecessors
The new vice chancellor paid glowing tributes to his predecessors, describing the university’s 66-year journey as one marked by God’s leading.
“As the 4th president/vice chancellor of Babcock University, I stand on the giant shoulders of my predecessors. From the solid foundation years of Professor Alalade to the giant expansion years of Professor Makinde and the crystal consolidation years of Professor Tayo, we have come this far by faith; trusting in the Lord.”
Quoting Adventist pioneer Ellen White, 196 (1902): ‘We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”
Mr Tayo, the outgoing vice chancellor, in his valedictory address, reflected on his decade of service, saying: “What we commemorate today is the legacy of a community that has prayed together, sacrificed together, and worked together to lift Babcock University to new heights of integrity, excellence and service.
“Today is not merely a moment of closure; it is a celebration of God’s faithfulness and an affirmation of what can happen when a community is united by mission, energised by vision and driven by a shared hope in Christ.”
New VC’s five-pillar pledge
Mr Ojewole introduced “G.R.A.C.E.” as the acronym for blueprint for his administration:
Globally relevant, Research-focused, Adventist-rooted, Competent community, and Entrepreneurial.
During his interaction with members of the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN), he assured that the university will continue to build people who are globally relevant and exposed, through academic diplomacy, international accreditation, and digital transformation.
On research, he emphasised his mission to build people that are research focused and innovative; as well as build people to become competent leaders that are committed with Christlike character.
“My number one agenda is to build men and women. Prioritise people, not profit; people not programs; people, not popularity; people’s welfare over pecuniary gain; people above politics; employee welfare over employer wealth; and caring over capitalism. I have come to build a community of G.R.A.C.E. Let Babcock arise and build champions of Grace,” Mr Ojewole said.
Responding, the chairman of EWAN, Mojeed Alabi welcomed the new vice chancellor, assuring him of the association’s commitment to redefining education in Nigeria and Africa.
He urged researchers in the university to communicate research outcomes with the media for more visibility and to attract more grants and opportunities.
Digital transformation, academic expansion
Mr Ojewole unveiled ambitious targets including smart classrooms and modern research laboratories; automation of administrative systems to reduce bottlenecks; faster transcript and results processing; a 50 per cent rise in international student enrolment; a 25 per cent global exposure rate for faculty; and a fully accredited, globally benchmarked curriculum.
He also announced plans for renewable energy generation, improved water systems and multidisciplinary innovation hubs.
Students’ welfare, infrastructure
To ease the movement of students during long travels to clinical sites and field trips, the new vice chancellor pledged the purchase of a new coaster bus and improvements in meals, housing and general welfare.
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He also highlighted plans for a 10,000-capacity worship sanctuary, a Babcock Missions and Evangelism Fund, and a community impact centre.
Staff welfare
Mr Ojewole also announced the removal of environmental levies for junior workers and non-resident staff, enhanced leave bonuses, a reviewed mortgage scheme, and strengthened health insurance.
His administration, he said, will reward “hard work, dedication and commitment irrespective of who or where the individual comes from.”
Governance, accountability, BUVoice
To strengthen transparency, Mr Ojewole introduced several governance tools including a Presidential Roundtable of Elders – a council of past vice chancellors, Adventist thought leaders and mission advisors; a quarterly president’s impact memo to update the entire university community; a Leadership Dashboard, biannual family forums, an Ethics and Integrity Council, and a 100-Day Presidential Action Plan.
He also announced BUVoice, a new digital platform for reporting issues, sharing ideas, and tracking service delivery. “BUVoice reflects our commitment to accountability, openness and continuous improvement,” he said.
A call to rebuild
The new vice chancellor urged staff, students and alumni to embrace a culture of unity and protection of the university’s reputation.
“Hail Babcock – God’s Own University,” he declared. “Let this be our new salutation, “BABCOCK! Don’t badmouth Babcock. Help, don’t harm, don’t misuse, maltreat or mistreat; Care for, don’t corrupt; Defend, don’t defile.
“Praise Babcock, don’t pollute; Decorate, don’t dirty; Delight, don’t damage; Respect, don’t ruin; Transform, don’t taint; Support, don’t spoil; Motivate, don’t mishandle. Applaud, don’t abuse Babcock; Elevate Babcock, don’t eliminate Babcock.”
About Mr Ojewole
Mr Ojewole, a professor of Old Testament Exegesis, minor Church/Christian Ministry, brings a rich blend of academic depth, pastoral leadership and institutional experience to his new role as vice chancellor.
A long-serving scholar, administrator and ordained minister, he has taught, researched and mentored across Nigeria and the United States, publishing widely and contributing to governance in both university and church settings.
Before his appointment, he served as University Pastor at Babcock University, coordinating spiritual care across 23 worship centres while teaching, publishing and supporting campus life.
He has also held senior pastoral and administrative positions in the United States, where he supervised pastors, supported educational boards, raised funds for development projects and led major community outreach programmes.
A mission-driven educator with a reputation for people-centred leadership, fundraising, and youth mentorship, Mr Ojewole comes into office with decades of experience in institutional growth, strategic supervision and values-based leadership credentials that position him to guide Babcock University into its next phase of development.