Augustine University Holds Thanksgiving, Welcomes New Vice-Chancellor

Augustine University transitions leadership with thanksgiving celebration
Prof. Odetunde honored, Rev. Prof. Akinwale officially inaugurated as VC
Dignitaries, clergy, and community leaders grace the historic event

Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, on Friday, August 29, 2025, held a Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the successful completion of the five-year tenure of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Odetunde, and to officially inaugurate the new Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Anthony Akinwale, OP.

Eko Hot Blog reports that in his homily during the Mass, the University Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Andrew Toye, drew inspiration from the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13), stressing the responsibility of the University community to nurture students with essential values.

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“Our collective role is to fill the lamps of our students with oil – oil that comprises vocations, sense of truth, character development, and service – to ensure they graduate with these values,” he said.

He urged the community to be steadfast in their mission.
“We must carry oil in abundance, so that it will burn far, cast its light forward, and outlive us. We cannot be judged by speed, but by endurance and the oil of wisdom.

We must not only prepare for quick achievements but for long-lasting impact, like the wise virgins who carried extra oil for their lamps,” Rev. Fr. Toye added.

The Chaplain congratulated Prof. Odetunde, the second substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution, for his leadership over the past five years, and encouraged Rev. Prof. Akinwale to continue steering the University toward greater success.

Following the Mass, a reception was held at the University Cafeteria, where staff members and guests paid glowing tributes to Prof. Odetunde. A gift was also presented to him in recognition of his service.

The event featured the formal presentation of the new Vice-Chancellor to the University community by the newly appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Dame Winifred Akpani, on behalf of the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Sir Steve Omojafor, OON.

During the ceremony, Rev. Prof. Akinwale unveiled his new book titled “Truth in the Waters of Wisdom,” with a quick review delivered by one of its editors, Rev. Fr. Francis Adedara.

Dignitaries in attendance included Dame Doja Otedola, mother of the University’s Chancellor, Mr. Olufemi Otedola, CON; HRM Oba (Dr.) Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom and Member, Board of Trustees, Augustine University; HRH Olori Bolanle Ogunsanwo; Catholic priests and reverend sisters of the Archdiocese of Lagos and Ijebu-Ode Diocese; as well as distinguished guests, staff members, friends, and well-wishers of the University.

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