General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged the new Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, to embrace integrity in running the institution. This call was made during the inauguration of Prof. Akindele as the fourth substantive vice-chancellor of the institution.
The General Overseer, represented by Pastor Kayode Pitan, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the university, said that the integrity of the institution must be maintained at all times.“The integrity of the university should be maintained in all its dealings so that RUN can remain an institution where many will be willing to work because of the importance attached to conducive environment and staff welfare. “It should also be a place where every student would love to be and it is my prayer that the university will record success in the next few years”, he said.
Pastor Pitan congratulated Prof. Akindele, urging him to ensure that the university continues to ride on the path of excellence which it has been known for over the years. He further stated that, “It is noteworthy that all the past administrations have contributed to the growth and development of the university in their own capacities. “RUN is God’s own university and the new administration must be ready to make sacrifices in order to ensure that it remains the pride of the past and future generations. I, therefore, pray that the tenure of the new Vice-Chancellor will witness peace, unity and progress in all ramifications,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Governing Council Chairman, Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi has advised the new helmsman to abide by the mandate given to him noting that he should always remember that this is a christian university. He encouraged Prof. Akindele to build a robust team, ignore distractions and be focused on moving the university to enviable heights.
Giving his remarks, Prof. Shadrach Akindele urged the staff of the institution to support him in moving the university forward. “I accepted this role with a clear understanding that it is a call to service and I am here to improve, motivate and promote an environment where innovative ideas will thrive and being mindful that this is a private university, therefore, we cannot afford to be casual or lazy in the way we do things. We will do our jobs to the best of our abilities,” he said.
Akindele urged the staff of the institution not to entertain any fear or anxiety due to the change in leadership, saying, “I am here to do God’s will.” The new VC urged the staff of the university to give their best to the students so that they could compete globally with their counterparts in any part of the world.
Akindele said that he will work to maintain the institution’s uniqueness as a Christian university, “Our students must be Christ-like so that they can become positive change agents in the society”. He thanked Pastor E. Adeboye and his wife for their support to the growth and development of the university.
Akindele, a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a Professor of Forestry, will serve for a single term of five years.