03 July, 2025
By: Sir Folu Olamiti
Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, has made history with the appointment of Professor (Mrs.) Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole as its first female Vice-Chancellor. A seasoned academic and administrator, Professor Oduwole brings to the role a wealth of experience, intellectual distinction, and spiritual commitment.
She is married to Venerable Olusoji Oduwole of Christ Church Mapo, a parish of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Ibadan. A devout Christian and committed teacher of the Word, she serves as a leader of Sunday morning Bible study at both Christ Church Mapo and St. Anne’s Church, Molete, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
A Distinguished Scholar and Philosopher
Professor Oduwole is a Professor of African Philosophy and Ethics at the Department of Philosophy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. She holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan, as well as an M.Sc. in Bioethics from a prestigious Erasmus Mundus consortium that includes Katholieke University (Belgium), Radboud University (Netherlands), and the University of Padova (Italy).
She has served in several strategic positions at Olabisi Onabanjo University, including:
Head of Department, Philosophy
Director, General and Entrepreneurial Studies
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
With over 30 years of academic service, she has significantly contributed to the growth and excellence of the university community.
Research and Global Impact
Professor Oduwole’s research spans African Philosophy, Ethics and Bioethics, and Gender Studies, with recent work focused on global issues in Bioethics. She is a prolific scholar, having published in numerous respected journals and contributed to international academic discourse.
Her contributions include:
Teaching Commission Member, Erasmus Mundus Masters in Bioethics (2011/2012)
Editor, BEonline Journal, West African Bioethics Training Program
Faculty Member, West African Bioethics Program
Member, OOU Teaching Hospital Health and Research Ethics Committee
Research Contributor, Indigenous Linguistic and Cultural Concepts of Heritability and Comprehension of Genomics Research in Nigeria (INDIGENE) project led by Prof. Clement Adebamowo
She provided key input on the ethical considerations surrounding the return of results and incidental findings in genomic research in Africa.
Faith and Church Service
Within the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Professor Oduwole remains active as:
A teacher of the Word
A leader in Sunday Bible Study at Christ Church and St. Anne’s Church, Ibadan
A member of the Church’s Theological Accreditation and Regulatory Board, chaired by Bishop Professor Dapo Asaju
Awards and Recognitions
Her excellence and dedication have earned her several local and international awards, including:
Dean’s Award – Best Student, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan (1981/82)
Alvan Ikoku Prize in Philosophy – Best Graduating Student, University of Ibadan (1982/83)
Long Service Award, Olabisi Onabanjo University (2006)
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship in Bioethics, European Commission (2011/2012)
Global Forum on Bioethics Research Grant and Awards (2015, 2016, 2019)
British Council Grant on Sustainable Funding Models in Higher Education (Ongoing, 2019)
Professional Affiliations
She is a respected member of several academic and ethical bodies, including:
Philosophers Association of Nigeria (PAN)
Bioethics Society of Nigeria (BESON)
New HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy Society (NHVMAS)
American Society for Bioethics and Humanities
Bioethics Today / Clinical Bioethics / Bioethics Connection (online platforms)
With her appointment, Professor (Mrs.) Ebunoluwa Oduwole not only shatters a glass ceiling but also signals a renewed era of academic excellence, ethical leadership, and spiritual integrity at Ajayi Crowther University. Her journey is a testimony to the power of intellect, faith, and unwavering dedication to service.
