Governance

Visitor to the University

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the Visitor to the university and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was born on March 2, 1942 in Ifewara, Osun state, Nigeria.

He attended Saint Stephen’s Anglican Primary School, Ilesa Grammar School, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and University of Lagos. With an M. Sc. in Hydrodynamics and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, the soft spoken Pastor started his teaching career at Okeigbo Ifetedo Grammar School where he taught Mathematics and later moved to the Lagos-based Anglican Girls Grammar School. He, thereafter, lectured at University of Lagos and later University of Ilorin.

He joined RCCG in 1973 where he became born again on 29th July, 1973. He was ordained a Pastor of the church on September 14, 1975. He succeeded Reverend Akindayomi when the latter went to be with the Lord on November 2, 1980 and was ordained General Overseer of the RCCG in 1981, a church that has spread to several nations of the world from a humble beginning under his able leadership.

Pastor E. A. Adeboye is an elder statesman and renowned man of God at home and abroad. He has authored several books and was voted one of the 50 most influential personalities in the world by the International Newsweek Magazine in 2008.

Chancellor

General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, GCON, FSS, psc, (Rtd.)

General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, GCON, FSS, psc, (Rtd.) was born 9th December, 1938. He is from Takum Local Government Area in Taraba State He is a highly detribalized Nigerian soldier, respected politician, elder-statesman, multi-millionaire businessman and philanthropist. He was Nigerian Army Chief of Army Staff from July 1975 to October 1979.

He was also Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2003 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. He is the Chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO), a petroleum exploration company with corporate headquarters in Lagos. He has also held top advisory positions to previous and the current President of Nigeria as Chairman of Presidential Advisory Councils. It is his impressive track record of philanthropic giving that culminated in the establishment of the T.Y. Danjuma Foundation.

He has continued to contribute to educational development of this country through many of his philanthropic gestures in many institutions of higher learning which resulted in him being a recipient of several honorary degrees from several universities which were awarded to him in appreciation of his sterling contributions.

He is the donor of the multi-billion naira T.Y. Danjuma Faculty of Engineering here in Redeemer’s University.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Chancellor’s role is largely ceremonial with the overall management of the university being undertaken by the Vice-Chancellor and Board of Trustees.
• How the role is interpreted varies between universities but in Redeemer’s University, the Chancellor visits the university at least once in every five years with the seven members of the University’s Governing Council.

Chairman, Board of Trustees

Pastor Olukayode Pitan

Pro-Chancellor & Chairman, Governing Council

PROF. TOYIN OGUNDIPE

 Prof. Ogundipe began his early education at Araromi Baptist school on Moloney street before proceeding to secondary school first at Eko Boys’ High School and later C.M.S Grammar School where he started his A levels at 17 in 1977. He gained admission into the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife to study Botany. He bagged his first degree in 1984, and had his National Youth Service Corps scheme at Tai-Eleme in Rivers State. He later returned to the University of Ife for a Master’s and PhD degrees in Botany. His PhD was completed in two and a half years in March 1990. In May of that same year, he began his academic career at the University of Lagos. Prof. Ogundipe rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2002.

At various times, he trained at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, University of Reading, UK, University of Cambridge, UK; University of Johannesburg; Harvard University in the United States; and Kunming Institute of Botany, China; and has researched on Molecular Plant Taxonomy/Biosystematics, Forensic Botany, Cytogenetics, Ethnobotany, Paleobotany and Ecological conservation, with over 90 publications in accredited academic journals. He also co-authored eight books with his research output chiefly in the areas of Molecular Plant Systematics, updating the taxonomy of some plant genera and using the anatomical features in the identification of sterile and fragmentary plant specimens.

The fellow of the Nigeria Academy of Science Royal Society of Biology, London, Leadership for Environment & Development, Linnaean Society of London, Institute of Security, Institute of Corporate & Business Affairs Management, Nigeria, and National President, Botanical Society of Nigeria, since joining the University of Lagos in 1990, has held different administrative positions.

Prof. Ogundipe was head, Department of Botany where he introduced sweeping reforms at the department. As a sub-dean, Faculty of Science, he began the computerization of students’ results and also attracted collaboration from multinational corporations. He later became the dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies where he attracted a lot of town-gown relationships and led the computerization of the entire process in the school.

He was also the director of the Academic Planning Unit and in 2016 was appointed as deputy vice-chancellor (academics & research) and later appointed as the vice-chancellor of Unilag on November 12, 2017. Prof. Ogundipe successfully completed his term of five years as vice-chancellor in November 2022. He is happily married with children.

VICE-CHANCELLOR

Prof. Shadrach Olufemi Akindele

Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, a distinguished scholar and visionary leader, has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, ushering in an era of innovation and academic excellence. The appointment is for a single term of five years. With a remarkable track record in higher education and a deep commitment to fostering learning and research, Professor Akindele is poised to make a lasting impact on the university and the broader academic community.

Professor Akindele attended the University of Ibadan where he earned his B.Sc. degree in Forest Resources Management in 1985. After completing his NYSC programme, he returned to the same University for his postgraduate studies and earned M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Forest Biometrics in 1987 and 1990, respectively. Professor Akindele began his academic career as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Ibadan in 1987, and moved to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) as an Assistant Lecturer in 1988. At FUTA, he rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2005. At various times, Professor Akindele was a Visiting Professor at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, and the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, where he showcased his dedication to research and strong passion for educational development.

In university administration, Professor Akindele has served in different positions including Head of Department, Dean, Chairman of Committee of Deans, Member of University Governing Council, Director of a University Centre, and Chairman of several University Committees. He has had cause to represent the Vice Chancellor within and outside Nigeria at different times. Professor Akindele has received many awards in recognition of his services and contributions to the development of the University and the society at large.

Professor Akindele has several years of experience in consulting, having served as consultant on projects funded by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and Nigeria’s Government at Federal and State levels. These assignments have enabled him to establish a broad network of contacts which can be tapped to contribute to university development. His commitment to continuous professional development despite his wealth of experience has made him a rallying point for many of his colleagues and students across various institutions.

As Vice Chancellor, Professor Akindele brings a holistic perspective to university leadership, emphasizing the importance of fostering a dynamic learning environment, fear of God, and community engagement. His vision for Redeemer’s University is to promote a vibrant educational community where staff and students are supported to embrace their faith in the Redeemer, achieve academic excellence, and positively influence the world through love, compassion, and ethical leadership. Professor Akindele is deeply committed to student success, and his tenure is expected to usher in new opportunities for research funding, international collaborations, and a strong emphasis on community outreach. He envisions Redeemer’s University as a place where students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the critical thinking skills and leadership qualities necessary for a rapidly changing world.

Professor Akindele is a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He was ordained as a full Pastor in 2009, and has served in various capacities as Parish Pastor, Area Pastor, Provincial Music Director, and Director of Visitation and Follow-up Department. He is married to Assistant Pastor (Mrs.) Hannah Oluwatoyin Akindele and they are blessed with two sons and a grandson. With a reputation for effective communication, approachability, and a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities in modern education, Professor Akindele is set to lead the Redeemer’s University into a promising future.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Prof. Ahmed Parker Yerima

Professor Yerima was born in Lagos on the 8^th of May 1957. He had his primary education at St. Bernadette’s Private School, Abeokuta after which he proceeded to Lagos Baptist Academy and obtained the West African School Certificate and Higher School Certificates in 1971-1977. He also obtained a Diploma and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University between 1977 and 1981. He proceeded to University College, Cardiff in 1982, obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Playwriting and Acting. He obtained his Doctoral degree in Dramatic Theory and Criticism in 1986 at the Royal Holloway College, University of London. Professor Yerima worked at the University of Ife (1984-85) and Ahmadu Bello University (1985-1991). He also holds a Certificate in “Peoples, Policy and Administration” from the Open University, England. His research interests focus on Dramatic Theory and Criticism, Historicism, Despotism, Cultural Deconstruction, and Reconstruction in Dramatic Literature.

Professionally, in 1991, he became Deputy Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, and later in 2000, he became Artistic Director, a position he held until 2005 when he was appointed Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Theatre/National Troupe of Nigeria, until 2009. In 2007, he had the singular honour of being appointed the Director-General of the Abuja carnival, a national and global event that brought contingents and tourism enthusiasts to Nigeria. As the leader of the National Troupe for seven years, Professor Yerima helped to positively project Nigerian culture far and wide. He has played significant roles in formulating and administrating Nigeria’s cultural policy, especially in the use of theatre as a tool for development and cultural integration. He is also an Adviser/Member of the RCCG Drama Group and MGO Drama: A new dawn since 2017.   

He was an Associate Professor at the University of Lagos in 2008 and was announced full professor at the Kwara State University in 2009. Professor Yerima was appointed to Redeemer’s University on 1^st August 2011 as a Professor. He was the Dean Faculty of Humanities (2012-2014). Head of Department of Theatre and Film Studies (2014-2019). Member of the university Governing Council (2013-2020). He served as Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies (2021-2023). He was the pioneer inaugural lecturer of Redeemer’s University and was the Chairman of the Committee on the movement of the university from Redemption Camp to its present site in Ede in 2014. He was the Chairman of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee of the university from 2012 to 2015, and Chairman, Staff Disciplinary Committee, from 2018-2020.

As an accomplished playwright, he has published over 80 plays, many of which have won international awards. In 2006, he won the Nigerian/NLNG prize for Literature and presently serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of the prize. He has published over 40 articles in international journals and has to his credit, 12 scholarly books and 10 chapters in books that are being used in tertiary institutions across the world. He is also a Fellow of the distinguished Nigerian Academy of Letters.  In 2022, he got a grant which enabled the training of two Master of Arts students in Directing at the Department of Theatre and Film Studies in professional productions outside the university.  Also, in 2023, he endowed a N1,000,000 prize in perpetuity on a Faculty rotational basis for the best doctoral thesis in the College of Postgraduate Studies. He is happily married and blessed with children.

Registrar

Mrs. Mojisola Oluyemi Oje

Mrs. Mojisola Oluyemi Oje (nee Ogundeyin) holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Industrial Chemistry with Second Class (Honours) Upper Division from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), Ago-Iwoye in 1986. She also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemistry (Industrial Chemistry) from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan in 1988. At the end of her undergraduate programme, she won the award of the Best Graduating Student in the Department of Chemical Sciences for the 1985/1986 Academic Session.

She has more than thirty (30) years of post-qualification work experience in the private sector and university system, both in administration and teaching. She started her career as Graduate Assistant at Ogun State University in 1987 and enjoyed a financial sponsorship of her Master’s degree programme, by the University, for emerging as the best-graduating student in her department. She returned to Ogun State University in 1988 and spent three (3) years in teaching and research as an Assistant Lecturer.

Mrs. Oje, thereafter, joined the services of a blue-chip company, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Ikeja, Lagos, as a Chemist in 1993. She was appointed as Training Manager in 1994 and rose to become the Personnel Manager of the company in 2000. She managed human resources matters and was also responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a quality system to the requirements of ISO 9002:1994 and ISO 9001:2000 standards for the company between 1997 and 2003, as Quality Assurance Manager/Quality Systems Manager.

She joined the services of the Redeemer’s University as Assistant Registrar and one of its pioneer staff in 2005. She worked and served as Head of Human Resources and Academic Affairs Divisions where she brought to bear her astute experience from the private sector. She was duly appointed Acting Registrar & Secretary to Council of the University by its Governing Council in August 2011 and served till January 2013. She also served in the same capacity as Acting Registrar from January 2018 to April 2018.

Mrs. Oje rose to the position of Deputy Registrar in 2017. In January 2018, she served as Secretary to the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Registrars of Private Universities (CVCRPU). She has also served as Chairperson of many Committees/Panels/Task Forces in the University and won some laurels, hereunder listed, for her meritorious services in the University:

Outstanding Service Award (2023); Meritorious Service Award (2017); Certificate of Recognition of Outstanding Service (2015); Special Appreciation Award (2013); Meritorious Award (2010) and Award for Best Senior Staff of the Year (2007).

Mrs. Mojisola Oluyemi Oje, until her appointment as the 4^th substantive Registrar of the Redeemer’s University, served as a Member of the University Governing Council (from August 2021 to August 2023). She is a Full Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA). She was President of ANUPA, Redeemer’s University Branch from November 2016 to August 2023.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Registrar is the Chief Administrative Officer of the university and is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the day-to-day administrative work of the university except as regards those for which the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and the Bursar are responsible.
• She is also the Secretary to the Governing Council, Senate and Congregation.

Ag. Bursar

Mrs. Patience Saliu

Mrs. Patience Saliu is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria having passed the qualifying examinations in May 2009.  She has over 22 years of working experience in the accounting profession. She grew through the ranks at Redeemer’s University to her current status. She started her career with Frigoglass Industries Limited, Ibadan as a National Youth Corps Member in 2000. She worked as a Credit Control Officer with Leventis Motors & Technical, a division of AG Leventis Group, Lagos between April 2002 and August 2005 before joining the services of Redeemer’s University in September 2005.

 She was the first payroll officer of the Redeemer’s University. She was in charge of the Payroll Unit from September 2005 to May 2007. As a Senior Accountant, she was in charge of the Budget and Final Accountant Units from 2007 to 2010. She was a Principal Accountant in charge of Student Account and Reconciliation units from 2010 to 2016. she became a chief accountant in 2016 and a deputy bursar in 2022. She became the head of the Management Services Division in 2018. As the head of the division, she oversees the Final account, Student accounts, Reconciliation, and endowment units of the bursary department.  She is the Chief Financial Officer of the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH).  She is also the Chief Financial Officer of ACEWATER.

Mrs Patience Saliu became the assistant treasurer of the Redeemers University Women’s Association in 2007. She became the treasurer in 2013 and served in the same capacity up till May 2024.

Mrs Patience Saliu served as treasurer of the Redeemers University Staff Co-operative Multipurpose Society Limited as treasurer from 2012 to 2016.

She has served in various committees and various capacities in the University

She was a Pastor in charge of RCCG Mercy Seat Area, Osun Province 9 ( Province of Dominion) from May 2019 to January 2023, before the Lord led her to join the Redeemer’s University Chapel team to minister to the students of the University. She is the Pastor in charge of Ebenezer Mega parish on the University campus.

Ag. Librarian

Dr. Akinniyi Ayobami Adeleke

Dr. Akinniyi Ayobami Adeleke is a seasoned librarian who started his career and spent almost a decade in quality control before moving fully into the library world, where he has spent about 15 years in the service of Redeemer’s University. He holds a Ph.D. in Library, Archival and Information Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and a Masters in Library Studies from the same institution.

He is an active member of several professional bodies. He is a founding member of Tekena Tamuno Library, Redeemer’s University. He joined the university as Librarian II and Head of the Circulation Unit. He is a recipient of international awards such as the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship Award, University of East London, United Kingdom and the Government of Singapore’s sponsorship to the World Library and Information Congress of the International Federation of Library and Information Associations in Singapore.

Dr. Adeleke’s professional distinction has seen him take up leadership responsibilities in professional bodies across the country. Top of these is Chairmanship of the Cataloging, Classification & Indexing Section of the Nigeria Library Association for five years from 2013 to 2018. His contributions to the field of library studies cannot be overemphasized as he has written articles and presented papers at seminars, workshops and conferences while lecturing within the university and attracting research grants in relevant subject areas. He is married with children.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The University Librarian is the academic head of the university’s library.
• He is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the development of the university library system which includes the main library, college, and departmental libraries.