Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has urged the new Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Redeemers University (RUN), Ede, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, to embrace integrity in running the institution.
Adeboye gave the charge during the inauguration of Akindele as the fourth substantive vice-chancellor of the university, on Wednesday, in Ede, Osun State.
The general overseer, represented by Pastor Kayode Pitan, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the university, said that the integrity of the institution must be maintained at all times.
“The integrity of the university should be maintained in all its dealings so that RUN can remain an institution where many will be willing to work because of the importance attached to conducive environment and staff welfare.
“It should also be a place where every student will love to be and it is my prayer that the university will record success in the next few years”, he said.
He congratulated the new VC, and urged him to ensure that the university continued to ride on the path of excellence it was known for.
“It is noteworthy that all the past administrations had contributed to the growth and development of the university in their own capacities.
“I, therefore, use this opportunity to encourage the vice-chancellor to ensure that the university continues to ride on the path of excellence it is known for.
“RUN is God’s own university and the new administration must be ready to make sacrifices in order to ensure that it remains the pride of the past and the future generations.
“I, therefore, pray that the tenure of the new VC will witness peace, unity and progress in all ramifications” he said.
In his remarks, Akindele urged the staff of the institution to support him in moving the university forward.
” I accepted this role with a clear understanding that it is a call to service and I am here to improve, motivate and committed to promoting an environment where innovative idea will thrive.
“And being mindful that this is a private university, therefore, we cannot afford to be casual or lazy in the way we do things.
“We will do our jobs to the best of our abilities,” he said.
Akindele urged the staff of the institution not to entertain any fear or anxiety due to the change in leadership, saying, ” I am here to do God’s will”.
The new VC urged the staff of the university to give their best to the students so that they could compete globally with their counterparts in any part of the world.
Akindele said that he would expand the revenue base of the university to meet its demands and also for the university to maintain its uniqueness as a Christian university.
“Our students must be Christ-like so that they can become positive change agents in the society”, he said.
He thanked Adeboye and his wife for their support for the growth and development of the university.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akindele, a full-time pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a Professor of Forestry, will serve for a single term of five years.