On September 1, 2025, Augustine University, Ilara-Epe witnessed the assumption of office of her third substantive Vice Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Alaba Akinwale, OP. 

One hundred days later, in an exclusive interview with the University’s Public Relations Unit, the Vice-Chancellor reflected on his philosophy of leadership. 

According to Father Akinwale, leadership is to be understood in terms of the identity and mission of the community that is to be led.  “The purpose of leadership,” he said, “is to enable the led, that is, the community to accomplish its identity and mission.” 

Having reiterated that the identity and mission of Augustine University is to be an academic community forming people of learning and character, he went on to say that such persons of learning and character “will work for the common good by working for their own good, and work for their own good by working for the common good.”  They will “work for the actualization of their personal potential by working for the actualization of the collective potential of the University community, and, ultimately, of the society.”

Professor Akinwale emphasized that the University is not to be reduced to a certificate-producing factory but a formation ground for young people who must develop both intellect, technique and character. According to him, when a university produces graduates capable of working for the common good by first realizing their individual potential, the foundation is laid upon which national development rests.  He noted that leadership, in this context, must enable rather than disable, and must rely on collaboration with the academic, administrative, and technical staff of the University.  

Asked how he has been able to settle into office, he responded that as leader of a university community, he has adopted and encouraged a culture of discussion, shared responsibility, and intellectual engagement.  He draws inspiration from one of his intellectual mentors, John Henry Newman, 19th century author of The Idea of a University, for whom ideas develop in constructive engagement with other ideas.

Addressing students in the course of the interview, he urged them to stay focused on the core objective of their academic journey: learning and character formation. He encouraged them to rise above distractions, and cultivate competence that enables them to serve both their personal growth and the common good, noting that education goes beyond earning a certificate.

He expressed profound gratitude to God for his guidance, to the Council for its support, and to benefactors, staff and students of Augustine University for the cooperation he has received since he assumed office.  He looks forward to working in synergy with all for improved infrastructure and improved staffing in the years ahead.  Such improvement will make Augustine University live up to her identity, accomplish her mission, and become an attractive destination for university education.