THEME: ACCELERATING THE VISION TOWARDS GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION
Our vision—“To be the foremost academic institution setting standards through continuous commitment to excellence geared towards making a transformative impact on society”—has guided us for two decades, shaping our identity as a centre of knowledge, innovation, and societal progress. We have made clear statement of our commitment to making a transformative impact on society by playing a leading role in the combat of such epidemics and infectious diseases like lassa fever, ebola, COVID-19, and others. Therefore, the theme “Accelerating the Vision towards global Transformation” underscores our unwavering commitment to realising our mission with greater momentum and impact. The celebration of the 20th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, reaffirm our dedication to excellence, and fast-track our efforts toward even greater impact, especially with the mandate of being among the top ten Universities in the World, given by the Visitor. This mandate by the Visitor implies that our impact should transcend the African region to the global society. Also, the theme is consistent with a line in the second stanza of the university’s anthem that reads, “….to change the world for God…”
| March | 20 Hours of Prayer The 20th Anniversary Events shall commence with 20 hours of prayer, with focus on prayers of thanksgiving and dedication of the remaining events to God for desired successful outcomes cum positive impact. |
| Release of anniversary balloons 20 anniversary balloons will be released immediately after press conference to trigger the anniversary mood, and also for publicity and visual impact. |
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| Press Conference The 20th anniversary would commence with Press Conference at an agreed date in March in honour of the Visioner/Visitor to the University, Pastor E. A. Adeboye whose birthday falls in the month. |
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| 1st Anniversary Lecture: Accelerating the Vision towards global Transformation The 1st anniversary lecture, which will be on the anniversary theme, is strategic as a mark of honour to the Visitor who was born in March. Therefore, the lecture shall be delivered by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili if available or by either of Pastor Leke Adeboye or Pastor Tokunbo Adesanya. Dr. Oby Ezekwesili was recommended for her contribution to the growth of the education sector in Nigeria, and her eloquence, depth of knowledge, and ability to engage diverse audiences. While Pastor Leke and Pastor Tokunbo were recommended based on the close relationships with the Visitor, the first being his biological son and the second being a former Pro-Chancellor of the University. |
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| April | Tree Planting As part of the 20th anniversary, tree planting serves as a meaningful and lasting symbol of growth, sustainability, and our commitment to a better future. This initiative aligns with the university’s vision of making a transformative impact on society by fostering environmental responsibility and long-term development. Consideration should also be given to trees with economic values. |
| Outreaches to orphanages, motherless homes, etc The outreach initiatives such as visits and support to orphanages and motherless homes align with our commitment to not only academic excellence but also social responsibility, compassion, community service and nation-building. |
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| Love Showcase (gifts of items people don’t need again but still useful for the needy) Acts of giving build connections between students, staff, alumni, and the larger community, reinforcing RUN’s role as an institution that cares about the well-being of others. This Initiative will encourage sustainable giving, ensuring clothes, books, appliances, and other useful items reach people who can benefit from them, rather than discarding them. It shall be a part of the outreach mentioned above, but the announcement for donation of items should be made earlier enough. |
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| May | Career Day The Career Day is to prepare students for the future; bridge the gap between education and employment by exposing students to career paths, industry insights, and professional mentorship. |
| Sporting Competition With the primary goal of promoting health, teamwork and unity, the competition will provide the opportunity to identify and nurture athletic talents, and encourage students who may pursue professional sports careers. |
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| Literary Debates/Essay Writing Competition This will have two categories: secondary school students and undergraduates (inter-faculty/inter-departmental debates). It is expected to improve students' public speaking, argumentation, and research skills, making them more confident and articulate individuals. |
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| Entrepreneurial and Business Start-up Competitions This competition is aimed to promote entrepreneurial thinking and creativity, equipping students with skills to start and sustain businesses. Also, to encourage self-reliance and economic empowerment, aligning with global trends in youth entrepreneurship and job creation. |
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| RUN Got Talents The talent hunt competition will provide the platform for students to express their talents in music, dance, drama, poetry, and other creative arts. It will provide an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of gifts and potentials within the university community, reinforcing RUN’s holistic approach to education; and to encourage students to pursue careers in the creative industry, which is a growing sector in the global economy. The talents show must not contradict the core values of the university. There will be audition/preview of the talents before final presentation. The contestants will sign an indemnity form not to go outside what was presented at the audition. The contestants will also sign a consent form to permit the university to use the videos/images of their performance for other purposes, such as adverts or uploading on her social media platforms. |
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| June | Adopt-a-child Initiative As a faith-based institution, RUN is committed to uplifting the less privileged through education, which hopefully will them help break the cycle of poverty. The initiative will foster a spirit of generosity among students, staff, alumni, and stakeholders, encouraging them to see education as a collective responsibility and philanthropy as a way of making a transformative impact on society. |
| Research Fair As part of the 20th anniversary events, the research fair would be organised to highlight the university’s cutting-edge research and scientific contributions; encourage collaborations between researchers, industries, and government agencies for funding and application of research findings; and promote a culture of innovation and problem-solving among faculty. All the faculties and centres in the university would be given the platform to exhibit their works during the period. |
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| Drug Abuse Day | |
| July | Bearing in mind that the wife of the Visitor to the University, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye (Mummy GO) was born on July 13, the month of July was set apart to celebrate the female gender. Therefore, the 2nd anniversary lecture shall be titled, The Role of Women of Faith in Conflicts Resolution, Peace and Good Governance. The lecture will serve as a tribute, acknowledging Mummy GO’s contributions to faith, education, and societal transformation. |
| August | Benefactor’s Day (luncheon/dinner, documentary, short stage drama performance by THA, capital campaign- an hybrid event) This event is to recognise and honour individuals, organisations, and philanthropists who have contributed to the university’s development; strengthen relationships with current and potential benefactors, encouraging further investment in the university’s mission; and highlight the impact of their support on the university’s academic growth, infrastructure, and student success stories. The family forum shall also be recognised and celebrated in the course of this event. |
| CEO’s Roundtable This event will provide a platform for business executives, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to engage with the university community; provide students with insights into leadership, business strategy, and industry trends, preparing them for the corporate world; foster partnerships between the university and businesses, leading to potential internships, scholarships, and job opportunities. |
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| Trade Fair This will provide an avenue to companies for networking, marketing, and product sales. Therefore, the fair shall be open to organisations in banking, IT, publishing, telecoms, tourism and hospitality, etc. |
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| Corporate Nigeria Day The aim of this event is to strengthen university-industry collaboration and as well position the university as a key player is national development and innovation. |
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| Alumni Events The alumni events are to celebrate the legacy of the university and further strengthen the alumni networks. |
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| September | RUN Two Decades of Excellence and Recognition Night (for staff and friends of RUN) This event is to celebrate the university’s journey, achievements, and vision for the future; recognise and reward members of staff and key partners who have played significant roles in the university’s success; and inspire continued dedication and commitment among the university’s workforce and supporters. |
| Outreach at Timi’s Palace With the purpose of strengthening town and gown relations, this event is to show appreciation and reinforce the commitment of Redeemer’s University to the host community through medical outreach, and other corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives; promote goodwill, peace, and mutual cooperation between the University and the Ede community; and demonstrate the University’s Christian values by extending healthcare, support, and engagement to those in need. |
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| Grand Finale of Competitions The winners of all the competitions that commenced in the month of May will be unveiled and rewarded at a special event for that purpose. |
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| Launching of Publications 20th anniversary book publication by the Department of History and International Studies and the magazine by members of the 20th Anniversary Planning Committee will be launched at a day scheduled for that purpose. |
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| Dedication of the Fire Station and Fire Truck The fire station and truck the university staff have agreed to donate to University for the 20th anniversary shall be dedicated at a scheduled date in the course of the month. |
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| 3rd Anniversary Lecture The 3rd Anniversary Lecture will still be on the Anniversary Theme: Accelerating the Vision towards global Transformation. It is hoped that the University will be to get the commitment of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to deliver the lecture. However, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili is also penned down if she could not make it to speak in March. |
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| Photo Gallery With the aim of preserving and showcasing the historic moments of the University, a photo gallery shall be prepared at the room under the hall of fame to serve the following purposes: i) to document and celebrate the university’s journey over 20 years, highlighting key milestones and transformations, e.g. the first meeting of Senate, the 100th meeting of Senate, sod-turning at Ede, etc. ii) to educate students and visitors on the University’s history, achievements, and impact. iii) to create a visually compelling and nostalgic experience, reinforcing the pride and identity of the University. |
