KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 formally ushered in a new chapter in its history with the investiture of Professor Olajumoke Abimbola Morenikeji as the institution’s first female Vice-Chancellor.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Agbeke Hall on the university’s main campus along the Ibadan-Oyo Expressway, attracted a distinguished gathering of academics, traditional rulers, government officials, captains of industry, members of the university community and other invited guests who witnessed the official transition of leadership.
The investiture featured addresses by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Adeniyi Osuntogun; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Remi Babalola; and the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adeniyi Olatunbosun. Vice-Chancellors and representatives of other universities also delivered goodwill messages in honour of the new university helmswoman.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the robing of Professor Morenikeji by Professor Osuntogun, assisted by Mr. Babalola, Professor Olatunbosun and the Registrar, Mr. Olawale Haruna Adetu, after which she was formally presented to the audience as the substantive Vice-Chancellor.
In her inaugural address, Professor Morenikeji pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessor by positioning KolaDaisi University among Africa’s leading private universities through excellence in teaching, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
She expressed appreciation to the university’s Board of Trustees and Governing Council for the confidence reposed in her, promising to provide visionary leadership that would strengthen the institution’s academic reputation, promote impactful research and equip students with entrepreneurial and leadership skills for the global economy.
The new Vice-Chancellor said her administration would prioritise academic excellence, strategic partnerships, innovation and institutional development to enhance the university’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Representing the Chancellor and Founder of the university, Chief Kola Daisi, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also morally upright and globally competitive.
He said the university would continue to invest in quality education, character development and innovation as part of its vision to remain a leading centre of learning in Nigeria and beyond.
(USGEAAN) Oyo State Chapter
Professor Morenikeji’s appointment followed a rigorous selection process approved by the university’s Board of Trustees and ratified by the Governing Council. Before her elevation, she served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the institution and previously held several academic leadership positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. A Professor of Parasitology, she has built an extensive research profile with more than 100 scholarly publications, books and numerous international research grants and collaborations.
With her formal investiture, stakeholders expressed optimism that KolaDaisi University is poised to consolidate its reputation as one of Nigeria’s fast-growing private universities while expanding its research output, innovation ecosystem and international visibility under her leadership.
Also present at the event are former Vice-Chancellors of the University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Bamiro and Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, former Vice-Chancellor, Chrisland University, Professor Chinedum Babalola, Vice-Chancellor, Bowen University, Professor Jonathan Oyebamiji Babalola, Pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Olawale Albert, Deputy Director (Administration), University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre, Professor Olubukola S. Adesina, Pastor of The Stone Church (Word Alive Ministries International), Arc. Alex Adegboye and Church members, Members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), and Representatives of Vice-Chancellors of several universities.
