Achievers University, Owo, hosted a high-level Council/Management Retreat on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Themed “Positioning Achievers University for Competitive Edge in the 21st Century,” the retreat convened key university stakeholders at the Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) CBT Hall for a day of strategic dialogue and institutional realignment.
The event, which follows the inauguration of the University’s 4th Governing Council, brought together council members, principal officers, the Vice-Chancellor, Provost, Deans, and Heads of Departments in what the university described as a critical step towards transformation.
Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, delivered the opening paper titled “Achievers University – Ownership Structure, Aims and Aspirations.”
Recounting the institution’s founding vision and unique private-public operational model, he unveiled his guiding framework, “13 Dreams,” as a blueprint for the council’s work.
“Let us achieve one dream at a time,” Dr. Ayorinde charged the stakeholders.
“Though the task ahead is enormous and daunting, it is not insurmountable,” he said, calling on all participants to play their roles with diligence and sincerity.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Omolola Irinoye, offered a comprehensive review in her presentation “17 Years of Achievers University: So Far, So Good.”
Reflecting on the university’s journey since 2008, she highlighted milestones in academics, infrastructure, research, accreditation, and student enrolment.
She commended past and present contributors to the institution’s growth, while also identifying key areas for improvement to realize the university’s ambition of becoming a global player in tertiary education.
Professor Oyesoji Aremu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, presented the third paper, “Strategic Imperatives for Achieving a 21st Century Frontline University Status,” outlining a roadmap anchored on digital transformation, research innovation, staff development, internationalization, diversified funding, and student-centered learning.
In his session titled “University Management Structure: The Roles of the Governing Council,” Professor Ademola Popoola clarified the strategic and oversight roles of the council, emphasizing synergy between the Council and Management.
He underscored the need for a shared vision, sound policy direction, and strict compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Interactive sessions allowed attendees to deeply engage with the presentations, brainstorming actionable strategies for driving Achievers University’s global competitiveness.
In her closing remarks, Professor Irinoye lauded the Governing Council’s proactive engagement and reiterated management’s commitment to “reforms and innovations that would reposition Achievers University as a frontline academic institution in Nigeria and beyond.”
The retreat also included a heartwarming celebration of Mr. Uwon Eze, JP, in honour of his birthday. Despite the occasion, Mr. Eze chose to participate fully in the retreat. He was celebrated for his “selflessness, strong sense of responsibility, and the high level of importance he attached to the University and its defining moments.”
