Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, penultimate Friday, held a Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the successful completion of the five-year tenure of its outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, and to formally inaugurate his successor, Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Anthony Akinwale, OP. The Mass, celebrated at the University Chapel, was marked by prayers, tributes, and symbolic reflections on the journey of the 10-year-old institution.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Andrew Toye, University Chaplain, drew lessons from the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13), stressing that the University’s mission 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 urged the community to carry “oil in abundance, so that it will burn far, cast its light forward, and outlive us,” noting that Augustine University, like the Catholic Church itself, had endured challenges but continues to stand firm. “We cannot be judged by speed, but by endurance and the oil of wisdom,” he added.
Fr. Toye commended Prof. Odetunde, the second substantive Vice-Chancellor, for his stewardship and encouraged the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Akinwale, to build on the institution’s achievements and chart a path of lasting impact. The celebration continued with a reception at the University Cafeteria, where staff and guests paid glowing tributes to Prof. Odetunde and presented him with a gift in appreciation of his service. During the ceremony, the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Dame Winifred Akpani, formally presented Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Akinwale to the University community on behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sir Steve Omojafor, OON.
The event also featured the unveiling of Rev. Prof. Akinwale’s new book, ‘Truth in the Waters of Wisdom’, with Rev. Fr. Francis Adedara giving a brief review. Among the dignitaries present were 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 of the University’s Board of Trustees; HRH Olori Bolanle Ogunsanwo; Catholic priests and reverend sisters from Lagos and Ijebu-Ode dioceses, as well as friends, staff, and well-wishers of the University.
