In a landmark moment for Nigerian higher education, Redeemer’s University has promoted 11 scholars to the rank of professor — the largest single group ever elevated in the institution’s history. Announced by Vice-Chancellor Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele during the Covenant Hour service on 2 September 2025, this development not only signals the university’s growing academic maturity but also its firm commitment to merit, quality and global standards.
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A Milestone Moment for Redeemer’s University
The promotions were officially ratified by the University Council following the 61st statutory meeting of the Appointment and Promotion Committee (Academic Staff), held on 26 August. According to Prof. Akindele, each candidate underwent a rigorous vetting process in which their scholarly work was reviewed by external assessors of international repute. He emphasised that only when those external reviewers affirmed both the quality and originality of the candidates’ publications did the promotion proceed.
“One thing I am glad to say is this: before you become a professor, your publications are sent to external assessors. And I made up my mind that I was going to handle it personally,” Prof. Akindele said, recalling that even one assessor commended Redeemer’s University’s process for fairness and transparency.
By elevating 11 scholars simultaneously, Redeemer’s University is breaking its own record. The scale of this promotion sends a strong message: the institution is no longer simply keeping pace with expectations for private universities in Nigeria but aspiring to lead by example. In Prof. Akindele’s words, the appointments reflect “an institution’s growing commitment to academic excellence”, with standards so high that he is confident to “vouch for the new professors anywhere”.
Who Are the New Professors & Their Diverse Disciplines
The newly appointed professors represent a broad spectrum of disciplines, reflecting the university’s dedication to both the sciences and the humanities. Their appointments strengthen Redeemer’s institutional capacity not just for teaching, but for research, mentorship, and community service.
Here are the scholars elevated to professorship and their fields:
| Name | Department / Discipline |
|---|---|
| Prof. M. O. Akporobaro | Business Administration & Marketing |
| Prof. Semiu Alayande | Mathematics & Statistics |
| Prof. Bernice Sanusi | Mass Communication |
| Prof. Omowale Adelabu | Mass Communication |
| Prof. Felix Talabi | Mass Communication |
| Prof. Emmanuel Ifeduba | Mass Communication |
| Prof. Rasaki Dauda | Economics |
| Prof. Oluwakemi Adesina | History & International Studies |
| Prof. John Iwuh | Theatre Arts |
| Prof. Rantimi Julius-Adeoye | Theatre Arts |
| Prof. Olanrewaju Adesina | Mechanical Engineering |
Notably, the mass communication department receives four new professors, signalling an investment in the media and communication sciences. The arts, humanities, social sciences, and applied sciences are all represented, making this group not only large in number but rich in disciplinary diversity.
Beyond Titles: What This Means for the University & Society
For Redeemer’s University, these promotions are more than formalities; they serve as pillars for future growth. Alumni, staff, and students have expressed pride and optimism, believing that this leap will motivate younger staff, spur competitiveness, and raise the bar for academic research. As many observers have noted, when senior academics are elevated in such numbers, it fosters a culture of aspiration and instils confidence in institutional scholarship.
Prof. Akindele is making it clear that holding the title of professor does not mark the end of one’s responsibilities — rather, it is a beginning. The appointees are expected to mentor emerging academics, maintain and expand their research profiles, and provide leadership inside and outside classrooms. The hope is that this new crop of professors will help drive distinction in research output, grant acquisition, and community impact.
In terms of international competitiveness, these appointments are a signal to the world: Redeemer’s University is prepared to be judged by global standards, to engage in international collaborations, and to contribute to knowledge at an international level.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Momentum & Upholding Standards
While celebrating this milestone, the Vice-Chancellor has reiterated that the university must continue to abide by the principles of integrity, objectivity, and transparency. These are not mere buzzwords but the foundation on which credible academic reputations are built. He has also urged the new professors to serve as role models, especially for young academics who aspire to ascend the academic ladder.
The promotion aligns with Prof. Akindele’s vision under the banners #RUNExcellence and #RUNForward. These themes capture Redeemer’s University’s aspiration: to push forward academic excellence, to lead in research and teaching, to cultivate impact beyond lecture halls.
Stakeholders believe that sustaining this momentum will require ongoing investment — in research funding, infrastructure, scholarly collaboration, and support for graduate students. Moreover, universities across Nigeria may take a cue from Redeemer’s example: fair, transparent promotion procedures; robust external assessment; and investment across diverse scholarly fields.
Conclusion
Redeemer’s University has not merely celebrated the elevation of 11 scholars; it has made a bold statement about its identity and future trajectory. In one historic sweep, the university has demonstrated that quality, rigour, and diversity of scholarship are central to its mission. The newly appointed professors carry not just titles, but responsibilities — to teach, to research, to lead.
This day, 2 September 2025, will go down as a turning point in the annals of Redeemer’s University. For Nigerian universities, it is a reminder that excellence is possible, that merit can be honoured, and that institutional ambitions can match global standards.
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