By DAYO ADESULU
Prof. Afolarin Ojewole Begins Tenure With Bold Vision for People-Focused Leadership
Babcock New VC assumes office as the institution enters a fresh chapter of transformation, with newly inaugurated President and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, laying out a sweeping agenda built on capacity building, innovation, and student welfare. His assumption of duty on Monday at the Babcock Sports Complex marked the formal handover from former VC, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo, whose decade-long tenure recorded remarkable achievements.
A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in People Development
Addressing members of the university council, royal fathers, faculty, students, and alumni, Prof. Ojewole declared that his administration would place people at the centre of its mission.
His words carried conviction:
“Build people. Put their development ahead of profit, programmes, or politics. Nurture servant-leaders. Transform lives.”
The pastor-scholar brings a rich academic background spanning Estate Management, Religious Studies, Theology, Biblical Exegesis, and Ethics. He emphasised servant leadership anchored in humility, grace, courage, and excellence—values he said would guide every decision under his watch.
GRACE Framework to Drive a New Vision
Unveiling the administrative roadmap for his tenure, Prof. Ojewole introduced the GRACE acronym—representing a university that is Globally relevant, Research-focused, Adventist-rooted, Competent, and Entrepreneurial-driven.
He explained that these pillars would shape Babcock’s evolution into a leading innovation hub capable of solving real-world problems.
“Our goal is to position Babcock as a benchmark for higher education in Africa and beyond, nurturing creativity, enterprise, and economic empowerment,” he said.
Stronger Student Welfare, Admissions, and Academic Systems
With student welfare high on his priority list, the Babcock new VC assumes office with commitments that resonate deeply with the student body. He announced several reforms, including:
A revamped and more transparent admissions process
Faster transcript processing and certification turnaround
Improved meal quality and dining experience
Broader international student recruitment
Expanded overseas training opportunities for faculty
These improvements, he said, would ensure a more efficient, competitive, and student-friendly institution.
Driving Research, Industry Partnerships, and Innovation Hubs
Prof. Ojewole also highlighted plans to enhance industry linkages and expand research output. His administration intends to:
Establish research commercialization units
Create innovation labs to turn ideas into practical solutions
Deepen collaboration with local and international organisations
He stressed that research must address national and global challenges, adding that Babcock would nurture a community empowered to contribute to economic development.
Infrastructure Overhaul and Environmental Sustainability
The new VC outlined an ambitious infrastructure plan, promising:
Smart classrooms
Modern research laboratories
Renewable energy installations
Campus-wide waste recycling systems
Digitally integrated learning environments
“Our vision is a university that is technologically driven, environmentally conscious, and spiritually grounded,” he said.
Prof. Tayo Bows Out After a Decade of Remarkable Achievements
The ceremony also featured reflective remarks from outgoing VC, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo, who celebrated the collective effort that shaped his ten-year leadership journey.
“What we commemorate today is the legacy of a community that prayed together, sacrificed together, and worked together for the growth of Babcock University,” he said.
Under his tenure (2015–2025), the institution recorded several milestones:
A 19-fold increase in internet bandwidth
Deployment of 2,224 CCTV cameras
Over 5,800 scholarly publications
₦13.9 billion invested in capital projects
Record-breaking student enrollment
Forty-one international partnerships
Stronger spiritual and pastoral education programmes
His administration also expanded the university’s continental footprint through scholarships and capacity-building initiatives.
A New Era Begins
With the Babcock new VC assuming office, the university community is hopeful and energized. Prof. Ojewole’s people-focused and innovation-driven vision promises continuity, stability, and fresh momentum for a globally competitive academic environment.
As stakeholders look ahead, the new leadership is expected to steer Babcock University into a future defined by excellence, integrity, technology, and service.
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