By our Reporter
Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, has appointed Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello as its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, making her the first woman to occupy the position since the institution was established in 2005.
The appointment, which takes effect from November 1, 2026, is for an initial three-year tenure and was conveyed in a letter dated the same day by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Visitor to the university, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
In the appointment letter, Adeboye expressed confidence in Olatunji-Bello’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the institution, describing the appointment as a reflection of the trust reposed in her.
He expressed the expectation that she would justify the confidence placed in her by helping to steer the university towards the realisation of its vision.
As Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Olatunji-Bello is expected to provide strategic leadership to the university’s Governing Council and strengthen institutional governance, strategic direction and the pursuit of academic excellence.
The appointment comes as the university continues to expand its academic programmes, strengthen research and innovation, and consolidate its position in the global higher education sector.
Congratulating her, Adeboye wished her a successful tenure and assured her of the continued support and prayers of the RCCG.
“While we wish you a successful tenure, kindly accept our congratulations,” he said.
Reacting to the appointment, the immediate past Pro-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, described Olatunji-Bello as the right choice for the position, expressing confidence that her wealth of experience, social capital and goodwill would add significant value to the university.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, expressed delight at her appointment, saying the university was excited to have her on board as it pursued higher achievements in the global higher education landscape.
Akindele said her emergence marked a new chapter in the university’s drive towards financial sustainability and infrastructure development, while sustaining the vision and legacies of Ogundipe, who has since been appointed Chairman of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Board.
Olatunji-Bello, born in Lagos on April 23, 1964, is an accomplished academic and university administrator with decades of experience in teaching, research and institutional leadership.
She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology from the University of Ibadan in 1985 and an MSc in Physiology from the University of Lagos in 1987. She later earned her PhD in Physiology from the University of Lagos in 1998.
In 1994, she undertook a six-month research fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Centre, San Antonio, United States.
She was appointed Professor of Physiology by Lagos State University (LASU) in 2007 and was conferred with the title of Distinguished Professor of Physiology by the university’s Senate in January 2026 in recognition of her contributions to academic development.
Beyond her scientific qualifications, she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology from the RCCG Bible College, obtained in 2001, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from LASU in 2018.
In 2012, she attended Course 34 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, as a nominee of the NUC, earning the prestigious Member of the National Institute (mni) distinction.
She has also received several professional fellowships, including those of the Physiological Society, United Kingdom; Physiological Society of Nigeria; Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation; Nigeria Psychology Association; Society of Educational Administrators of Nigeria; National Labour Institute; and Society for Peace Studies and Practice.
In May 2023, she received the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Her academic career began at the University of Lagos in 1988, where she was appointed Assistant Lecturer. She subsequently rose through the ranks to become Lecturer II, Lecturer I, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor before joining LASU as its first Professor of Physiology at the College of Medicine on October 2, 2007.
At LASU, she held several key administrative positions, including Head of the Department of Physiology, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Acting Vice-Chancellor and Pioneer Director of the Directorate of Advancement.
She also served on the university’s Governing Council in various capacities, including as a government representative, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Senate representative.
On September 17, 2021, she was appointed the ninth substantive and second female Vice-Chancellor of LASU by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the university’s Visitor.
Her appointment as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University adds another significant milestone to her career in university administration and higher education leadership.
