The Senate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of three distinguished professors as Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs). On June 26, 2025, the revered body of Professors appointed Professors Adesola Aderounmu, Oluropo Akinfala, and Akanni Akinyemi to the pivotal roles of DVC Academic, DVC Administration, and DVC Research, Innovation & Development, respectively. This historic decision signifies a giant stride forward for one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions, blending continuity with fresh vision in a celebration of academic and administrative excellence.

The Senate, a powerhouse of intellectual rigor, conducted this election with meticulous care, fully aware of the profound impact these roles have on the University’s trajectory. The newly elected DVCs—each a titan in their field—bring a dynamic mix of expertise, experience, and innovation, poised to elevate OAU’s legacy as a beacon of higher education in Africa.

Leading the trio is Professor Akanni Ibukun Akinyemi, whose re-election as DVC Research, Innovation & Development for another two-year term is a resounding vote of confidence in his transformative leadership. Since taking the helm in 2023, Professor Akinyemi has redefined OAU’s research landscape, driving initiatives that have bolstered the University’s innovation ecosystem and amplified its global presence. His visionary approach has sparked a surge in groundbreaking research and technology transfer, making his reappointment a natural choice for a Senate committed to progress. “I am deeply honored to continue this journey,” Professor Akinyemi remarked, “and I look forward to building on our successes to inspire even greater innovation.”

Joining Professor Akinyemi are two exceptional scholars stepping into their roles with vigor and purpose: Professors Adesola Aderounmu and Oluropo Akinfala. They succeed Professors Olubola Babalola and Olusanjo Matthew Abayomi Daramola, whose exemplary service since 2021 has left an enduring imprint on OAU. The outgoing DVCs’ contributions have set a high bar, one that the new appointees are eager to surpass.

A luminary in Computer Science and Engineering, Professor Aderounmu assumes the role of DVC Academic with a stellar record of leadership. As the Centre Lead for the African Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering and the Obafemi Awolowo University Knowledge (OAK)-Park, he has championed technological advancement and academic excellence. His tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Head of the Department of Computer Science, coupled with his 2015 election as President of the Nigeria Computer Society, affirms his credentials as a trailblazer. “This is an opportunity to shape the future of education at OAU,” he said, “and I am committed to fostering an environment where ideas thrive.”

As DVC Administration, Professor Akinfala brings a wealth of experience and a steady hand to the University’s operational helm. A distinguished scholar in Animal Science, he has served as Chairman of the University Security Committee since 2022, ensuring the safety and harmony of the OAU community. His prior roles as Head of the Department of Animal Science and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture highlight his knack for navigating complex challenges with grace. “Service is at the heart of this role,” Professor Akinfala noted, “and I am dedicated to making OAU a model of efficiency and care.”

The transition from the outgoing DVCs to this formidable trio reflects OAU’s seamless blend of honoring its past while embracing its future. Professors Babalola and Daramola will be handing over a University in robust health, and their successors are ready to build on that legacy with bold ambition and unalloyed dedication.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire captured the collective sentiment in a remark: “The election of Professors Aderounmu, Akinfala, and Akinyemi is an evidence of the depth of talent within our University. Their leadership will propel OAU to even greater heights, inspiring generations of scholars and innovators.”

As the University steps confidently into the future, it does so with a leadership team that embodies excellence, innovation, and integrity. Professors Aderounmu, Akinfala, and Akinyemi are not just administrators—they are visionaries tasked with shaping an institution that continues to inspire awe and admiration.