The Board of Trustees of the Redeemer’s University, led by Pastor Olukayode Pitan, has confirmed the appointment of Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, a distinguished scholar and renowned Professor of Forestry, as the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution. The appointment is for a single term of five years.
The appointment followed a rigorous recruitment exercise carried out by a professional recruiting firm and topnotch academics, in line with global best practice in headhunting for strategic positions in higher education institutions. Presenting the outcome, as ratified by its proprietors, Pastor Olukayode Pitan stated that the appointment is expected to usher in an era of innovation and academic excellence.
He noted that, as a scholar of Professor Akindele’s status with a remarkable track record in higher education and a deep commitment to fostering learning and research, he 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 Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources Management in 1985. After completing his National Youth Service Corps programme, he returned to the same University for his postgraduate studies and earned Master of Science degree and Doctor of Philosophy 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, 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 represented his 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 system 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. Through these assignments he has established a broad network of contacts which can be leveraged to develop the University. His wealth of experience and commitment to continuous professional development has made him a rallying point for many of his colleagues and students across various institutions.
As the substantive Vice Chancellor, Professor Akindele brings a holistic perspective to university governance with emphasis on the importance of fostering a dynamic learning environment and community engagement. His vision for Redeemer’s University is to promote a vibrant educational community where staff and students are supported to serve God in order to achieve academic excellence.
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 was ordained as a full Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 2009 and has continued to serve in various departments of the church. He is married to Pastor (Mrs.) Hannah Oluwatoyin Akindele and they are blessed with children.
