Redeemer’s University’s first female Pro-Chancellor Ojo, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello
She succeeds Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, a professor, who was appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in June, 2026.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
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The appointment makes her the first woman to occupy the position since the university was established in 2005.
The appointment, made by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Visitor to the university, Enoch Adeboye, took effect on 1 November 2026, for an initial period of three years.
Mr Adeboye, in a statement published on the university’s official page, expressed confidence in her ability to contribute to the institution’s development.
The Pastor said the appointment reflects the trust reposed in her and expressed the expectation that she would help the university achieve its vision.
Mrs Olatunji-Bello succeeds Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, a professor and former VC of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Mr Ogundipe, in his remarks, described Olatunji-Bello as the right choice for the position, adding that her appointment is expected to add significant value to the university.
Mr Ogundipe was appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in June, 2026.
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Olatunji-Bello’s career at LASU
Olatunji-Bello served as the ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor of LASU from September 2021 to September 2026. She completed her five-year tenure on 19 September 2026 and handed over to Ayodeji Badejo, who became the university’s 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor.
Before she was appointed VC, Mrs Olatunji-Bello held several administrative positions at LASU, including Head of the Department of Physiology, LASU College of Medicine; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Acting Vice-Chancellor and pioneer Director of the Directorate of Advancement.
She was appointed Professor of Physiology in 2007 and conferred with the title of Distinguished Professor by LASU in January 2026.
Mrs Olatunji-Bello began her academic career at the University of Lagos in 1988 as an assistant lecturer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Physiology from the University of Ibadan, as well as a master’s degree and a PhD in Physiology from the University of Lagos.
She is also a member of the National Institute (MNI), following her participation in Course 34 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, in 2012.
In May 2023, she received the National Productivity Order of Merit Award from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
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University’s development
The Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Shadrach Akindele, a professor, also welcomed the appointment, expressing confidence that her emergence would strengthen the institution’s development, particularly in financial sustainability and infrastructure.
He added that her “emergence marks a new era in financial sustainability and infrastructure development as part of the continuation of the vision and the legacies of the immediate past Pro-Chancellor.
“As Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Olatunji-Bello is expected to provide strategic leadership to the University’s Governing Council and contribute to strengthening institutional governance, strategic direction and the pursuit of academic excellence,” the university noted.
“The appointment comes at a pivotal period in the University’s development as it continues to expand its academic offerings, strengthen research and innovation, and consolidate its standing as a leading citadel of learning in the global education institutions sector.”