Achievers University, Owo, on Monday, 12th January, 2026, commenced the new year with its 19th “Starting with God” Service, a spiritually reflective and forward-looking gathering that set the tone for the institution’s march towards realizing its vision of becoming world-class.
Held with the gathering of refreshed and elated staff, students and members of the university community, the service provided a platform for thanksgiving, recommitment and the unveiling of ambitious plans that will define the next phase of the University’s growth.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University, Professor Bode Ayorinde outlined a series of strategic priorities and infrastructure-driven initiatives aimed at consolidating the University’s achievements as it approaches two decades of impactful service in higher education. Reflecting on the institution’s journey, he noted that this was the 19th time the University was formally beginning a new year with God, stressing that faith, dedication and collective responsibility have remained central to its steady progress.
He emphasized that the forthcoming year would demand renewed cooperation across faculties and departments, noting that unity of purpose would be critical to delivering the goals already set in motion. According to him, preparations for the University’s 20th anniversary celebrations are already underway, with several flagship projects scheduled for completion before the anniversary year formally begins.
Beyond infrastructure, the Pro-Chancellor assured the upscaling of staff welfare, describing it as a strategic priority to ensure continuity in academic programmes. He also underscored accountability in leadership at all levels, noting that leadership within colleges, faculties and departments comes with responsibility for policy direction and performance outcomes. Collaboration across units, he stressed, would remain indispensable to achieving institutional goals. He, therefore, expressed confidence that with coordinated effort, sustained leadership and reliance on God, Achievers University would record landmark achievements worthy of its 20th anniversary.
Earlier in the programme, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oyesoji Aremu, had warmly received staff and students back to the campus after the three-week holiday. While urging members of the University community to return to their respective duties with renewed commitment and excellence, Professor Aremu described 2026 as a promising year for the University. He called on all stakeholders to double their resolve and give their best to Achievers University. He outlined a packed academic and administrative calendar for the months ahead, including the continuation of tests, matriculation of new students, preparation for first semester examinations, visit of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), compliance with National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) conditions for the Achievers College of Nursing Science, completion and commencement of projects, and the call for 2026/2027 admissions later in the year among others.
In a bid to enhance the University’s global visibility, the Acting Vice-Chancellor announced plans to constitute a ranking advisory team, under the auspices of the Directorate of Research and Linkages, to register the University on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. He also addressed issues of discipline and institutional identity, directing that the wearing of University Identity Cards by staff and students must be intentional, with a Compliance Committee to be established to safeguard desired behaviours, including dressing standards.
On staff welfare, Professor Aremu assured the community that the 2026 promotion exercise would commence on April 1 and be concluded by September 30. He called for punctuality, integrity and excellence in teaching, research, administration and service delivery, while urging staff to continue acting in loco parentis to students. Students, in turn, were encouraged to eschew immorality and pursue excellence intentionally, so that the University would continually receive good reports about them.
The spiritual highlight of the day was the sermon delivered by Rev. (Dr.) Komolafe, who ministered at the 19th Starting with God Service under the theme of “Divine Foundation for Institutional and Personal Achievements,” drawing from Psalm 127:1. He emphasized that lasting success, whether institutional or personal, is impossible without God as the foundation. He stressed that institutions and careers flourish when God is placed first. He urged the University community to seek divine mercy early in their assignments and pursuits, describing mercy as the force that averts adverse outcomes and establishes progress. He commended the Pro-Chancellor whose faith-driven vision, policies and structures were described as the bedrock upon which the institution continues to thrive.
The programme concluded with a unified call to prayer for fruitfulness, stability and excellence in all personal and institutional endeavours in the year.
