By Charles Igwe
Augustine University, a prominent Catholic institution in Lagos State, has announced the appointment of Rev. Fr. Professor Anthony Alaba Akinwale, OP, as its new Vice-Chancellor. The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sir Steve Bamidele Omojafor, who confirmed that the appointment will take effect from September 1, 2025, following the completion of Professor Christopher Odetunde’s tenure.
A revered Dominican priest and accomplished academic, Fr. Akinwale is one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in Catholic intellectual circles. A Professor of Systematic Theology and Thomistic Philosophy, he brings to the position a wealth of experience in both teaching and university administration. Notably, he served as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Dominican University, Ibadan (2017–2022), and has been Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Augustine University since 2023.
His elevation to the top academic post has been widely praised as a move that reflects the university’s vision for rigorous scholarship, moral leadership, and a firm grounding in Catholic values. Known for his eloquence, intellectual clarity, and principled leadership, Fr. Akinwale has played a key role in shaping Catholic education in Nigeria over the past three decades.
The Board of Trustees expressed confidence that his leadership will further strengthen Augustine University’s standing as a centre of academic excellence and moral formation. In the same breath, they commended outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odetunde, for his years of dedicated service and the progress achieved under his leadership.
