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

Pastor Kayode Pitan, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Redeemer’s University, Ede is a Senior Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, City of David, whose emergence at the summit of his career and ministry was full of testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

He was a seasoned banker and erudite investor who worked assiduously to be an indomitable power broker in investment banking, structural and project finance, and the oil, gas, and power sectors, where he was the Managing Director of ENESEC-energy division. ENESEC is a specialized banking unit in the FSB International Bank Plc that focuses on the energy sector in Nigeria.

As a financial expert, his fiscal wizardry allowed him to superintend many sensitive financial units such as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First Interstate Bank Plc; Unity Bank Plc- in charge of Corporate Banking and Treasury Management; Arthur Andersen, Nigeria International Bank(Citibank); Head, Trade Finance, Industrial Bank Limited; Assistant General Manager, Public Sector and Middle Tier Market, FSB International Bank Plc; Group Head, Commercial and Consumer Banking Group; Chairman of the Technical Committee that midwives the merger of Centrepoint Securities Limited and FIIST Ventures Ltd., to form Unity Registrars Ltd.

He also served as the Chairman of the Technical Committee that merged Kapital Insurance Plc, Intercontinental Assurance Company Ltd, and Global Commerce General Assurance Co. Ltd into Unity Kapital Insurance Co Plc, where he served as the Director of the new financial institution and also instrumental in the listing of Unity Bank on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

While he held sway as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s oldest bank, the Bank of Industry, he resourcefully raised over $ 5 billion from the international bond market, providing buoyancy for the age-long financial institution.

He is known for his uncompromising standard and someone whose greatest delight is to bring smiles to the downtrodden, he has been the Chairman of the Habitation of Hope. The NGO is a non-governmental organization founded by Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye, the wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, whose objective is to reach out to the have-nots. The organization has not adequately assuaged the needs of countless underprivileged individuals.

 Pastor Kayode Pitan must have found the words of Wayne Muller inspiring when he said, “As we serve others, we are working on ourselves; every act, every word, every gesture of genuine compassion naturally nourishes our hearts as well. More healing is made available for others when we attend to ourselves with compassion and mercy. And great healing comes when we serve others with open and generous hearts.”

If any mortal had impacted lives positively, Pastor Kayode Pitan will come to mind because he has given succor to the lonely in heart, uplifted the dispirited and the dismembered; he has umpteenth times demonstrated that our lives no longer belong to us alone; they belong to all who need us desperately and that our lives are not significant except for its impact on others.

A friend of his once described him as a rare breed that does not have greed. In every of his dealings, he has always taken to active cognizance the word of Albert Pine, who said, “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

To Pastor Kayode Pitan, service to God and humanity is what prayer looks like; it gets up off its knees and walks around the world. The multiplier effect is evident at every given point of service by this enigma, which believes that the best way anyone could find themself is to lose oneself in the service of others. If any, for his selfless service, Pastor Kayode Pitan will receive a gold medal for his compassionate promotion and projection of humanity. He is a proper vessel in the vineyard of God and also typifies what he preaches and acts beyond the verbal proclamation of what he teaches on the pulpit. He detests luxury and the profane. Humility and modesty are his watchwords despite his enviable attainments, both professionally and spiritually.

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.

Ag. Registrar

Pastor David Akintola

Pastor David Akintola was born on 23rd November 1963 in Minna, Niger State. He is an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) in Crop Science in 1987 and a Master of Science degree in Agronomy (Crop Science) in 1989. He also holds a postgraduate Diploma in Theology. He started his career at the University of Ibadan as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Agronomy from October 1991 to January 1993. He was also an Associate Lecturer at Lagos State University between 1991 and 1994. He worked as an Administrative Manager at Basic Trust International (an NGO) between February 1993 and October 2000. 

He joined the then-proposed Redeemer’s University as the pioneer staff in 2002 and became Deputy Registrar on September 11, 2017. He has served the university in various capacities and Divisions of the University Registry, including as Academic Affairs Officer, Council Affairs Officer, Human Resources Officer, and College Officer.

He was Deputy Registrar at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, where he also served as Secretary to the University Management from January 2012 till 31st March 2020, before he was redeployed to the Academic Affairs Division as the Deputy Registrar in charge of the office till 20^th November 2023. He assumed office as the Secretary to the College of Postgraduate Studies of the University on the 1st of December 2023. He became the Acting Director of the Directorate of Student Support and Services on the 1st of April 2024, a position he held till his assumption of office as the Acting Registrar on the 15th of February 2025.

He is a prized member of the university community and a key player in the university’s infrastructural development. He is an ordained pastor and national officer in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and is happily married with children.

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. (Mrs.) Pauline Oghenekaro Adeniran

Dr. (Mrs.) Pauline Oghenekaro Adeniran obtained a Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Science from Delta State University, Abraka, in 2003 and a Master of Archives and Record Management from the prestigious University of Ibadan in 2009.

She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Information Resources Management from Babcock University Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State in 2017. She is a certified Librarian of Nigeria and a member of the Nigerian Library Association. She joined the university service in 2005 as one of the pioneer staff members and grew through the ranks to become a Deputy University Librarian on 1^st October 2022. 

The library units where she has served are the Serials Unit, Technical Unit, Reference Unit, Adeboye Collection, and Church History Research Unit. She has served on various university committees and has been widely published as a scholar. She is also an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and is happily married.

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.