The Board of Trustees of the Redeemer’s University (RUN), Ede, in Osun State has appointed Prof. Shadrach Akindele, as the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Akindele, a full-time pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a Professor of Forestry, would serve for a single term of five years.

The Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs Directorate of the university, Mr. Adetunji Adekeye, in a statement on Wednesday in Osogbo, said Akindele’s appointment followed a rigorous recruitment exercise carried out by a professional recruiting firm and topnotch academics.

He said that the recruitment was done in line with global best practices in headhunting for strategic positions in higher education institutions.

Adekeye also quoted Pastor Olukayode Pitan, the university’s Board of Trustees Chairman, as saying that the appointment was expected to usher in an era of innovation and academic excellence.

Pitan said that with a remarkable track record in higher education and a deep commitment to fostering learning and research, Akindele was poised to make a lasting impact on the university and the broader academic community.

According to the statement, Akindele attended the University of Ibadan where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources Management in 1985.

After completing his National Youth Service Corps programme, he returned to the same university for his postgraduate studies and earned a Master of Science degree and Doctor of Philosophy in Forest Biometrics in 1987 and 1990, respectively.

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Akindele began his academic career as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Ibadan in 1987, and moved to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), as an Assistant Lecturer in 1988.

At FUTA, he rose through the ranks to become a professor in 2005 and had served in different capacities both within and outside the country.

The statement also said that Akindele was ordained a full Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 2009 and had continued to serve in various departments of the church.

He is married to Pastor (Mrs.) Hannah Oluwatoyin Akindele and they are blessed with children.

“His vision for Redeemer’s University is to promote a vibrant educational community where staff and students are supported to serve God in order to achieve academic excellence.

“Akindele is deeply committed to student success, and his tenure is expected to usher in new opportunities for research funding, international collaborations and a strong emphasis on community outreach,” he said.

The Star