Babcock’s New Dawn: Prof. Ojewole Takes Charge as Prof. Tayo Bows Out After a Decade of Transformation
By Charles Segun Adegbite
Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, stepped into a defining new chapter on Monday as the campus witnessed one of the most symbolic transitions in its history. It was an emotional farewell from outgoing President/Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ademola S. Tayo, and the vibrant inauguration of his successor, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Isaac Ojewole, as the institution’s 4th substantive President /Vice Chancellor.
The air was thick with gratitude, reverence, and expectation. For many, it felt like watching one era gently close its doors, only for another to swing open with refreshing promise.
A Decade of Grace: Tayo’s Exit Marks the End of a Transformational Era
Taking the podium for his valedictory address titled “Consolidating a Decade of Transformation (2015–2025)”, Prof. Tayo spoke with the calm dignity of a leader who had given his all.
He described his journey as “a decade of grace”—and the numbers backed him up.
Digital Breakthroughs That Redefined Babcock
Under Tayo, the university didn’t just modernize—it leapt into a new technological age:
Internet bandwidth expanded nineteen-fold
Full migration to a smart, fiber-optic campus
CCTV coverage surged by 390%
Cloud-powered administrative systems
A suite of homegrown software managing HR, exams, payments, records, and more
The crowning jewel?
Babcock became Nigeria’s first university certified by the National Data Protection Commission, NDPC, as both Data Controller and Processor.
A Research Explosion
Babcock’s scholarly footprint skyrocketed:
Publications grew from 392 to 4,717,
Citations from 280 to 24,460,
Inaugural lectures from 1 to 53,
Over ₦370 million in local grants and $1.3 million+ in international funding
Infrastructure That Speaks for Itself
More than ₦13.9 billion in strategic capital investments delivered:
A new Senate Building
Engineering & Environmental complexes
Upgraded medical school and teaching hospital
Diagnostic and radiology renewal
Five additional hostels
Worship centers, sports courts, and leisure hubs
After narrating all the above stated achievements, then came the moment that drew the loudest applause.
A Debt-Free Miracle
With quiet triumph, Tayo announced:
“We leave this institution debt-free.”
We leave this institution debt-free.
The ₦17.536 billion debt inherited in 2015?
Gone.
It was a fiscal legacy that many described as “nothing short of historic.”
A New Voice, A New Vision: Prof. Ojewole Ushers in the GRACE Agenda
Moments later, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole stepped up—energetic, bold, and visibly humbled by the responsibility before him.
His inaugural speech took on the cadence of a manifesto.
His message was clear and compelling:
“My Mission Is Simple: Build People.”
My Mission Is Simple: Build People.
He unveiled a visionary leadership framework called G.R.A.C.E, symbolizing:
G – Globally Relevant
R – Research-focused
A – Adventist-rooted
C – Competent Community
E – Entrepreneurial
It was a people-first blueprint—values-driven, future-focused, uncompromising.
Major Reforms at a Glance
1. Academic & Digital Overhaul
50% increase in international students
25% global-exposure target for faculty
100% academic accreditation
Smart classrooms & advanced laboratories
System automation to end transcript and service delays
2. Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Launch of Babcock Innovation & Venture (BIV) with:
Initial ₦50m fund, scaling to ₦250m
New research hubs, including:
Public Health & Lifestyle Medicine
Digital Transformation & AI for Good
Faith & Ethics in Leadership
Family Systems & Youth Research.
3. Staff Welfare: A Landmark Agenda
Ojewole’s welfare promises electrified the hall:
Environmental levy scrapped for junior staff
Staff mortgage scheme
Enlarged health insurance & leave bonuses
Housing expansion & wellness centers
Emergency welfare funds
Subsidized BU Home Ownership Scheme
A new Coaster bus for clinical students.
4. Mission & Spiritual Reawakening
A 10,000-seater debt-free worship sanctuary
Missions & evangelism fund
Heritage-driven governance.
5. Accountability & Transparency
100-Day Action Plan
Presidential KPIs & Impact Dashboard
University-wide Truth, Healing & Reconciliation Commission
Introduction of BUVoice, a real-time issues-reporting portal.
“Hail Babcock!”: A New Identity for a New Season
In a symbolic cultural shift, Ojewole unveiled a new call-and-response creed:
Call: “Hail Babcock!”
Response: “God’s Own University!”
The auditorium erupted in excitement—a sign that the community was eager for renewal.
Two Leaders, One Mission
As the day drew to a close, one truth resonated:
This wasn’t just a handover.
It was the passing of a legacy into the hands of a reformer.
Prof. Tayo leaves behind a campus transformed by innovation, research strength, and infrastructure growth.
Prof. Ojewole steps in with a firebrand vision steeped in mission, welfare, and global ambition.
December 1, 2025 will remain the day Babcock University paused, reflected, and then boldly rose to greet its future.
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