Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State set a positive tone for the year with its “18th Starting with God Service” on Monday, January 6, 2025. The event, led by the Pro-Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde, was marked by gratitude and renewed commitment to excellence, leadership and spiritual reliance.
In his address, Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde reaffirmed his dedication to providing quality leadership anchored on trust in God, proactivity and welfare of students under the principle of in loco parentis. He emphasized the University’s dependence on God, which, he noted, is reflected in the annual service. “Christ is working for me. Trusting in God is working for me,” he declared. “Though there were challenges in the past, God has taken them away,” he added.
He urged the University community to prioritize God in their endeavours, stressing that human strength is limited without divine support. “Put your trust in God, and rest assured that all will end in praise,” he said, calling for collective responsibility in ensuring a peaceful and productive campus.
Dr. Ayorinde also charged students to focus on their studies, avoid drug abuse and uphold the University much cherished value of integrity, warning that any misconduct would attract strict disciplinary action. “Don’t suffer in silence,” he advised, while urging campus security to remain vigilant against misdemeanours.
Notably, the Pro-Chancellor reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to achieving a five-year, nine-month timeline for its Medicine and Surgery programme and assured that no academic programme would be discontinued due to low subscription. He called for collaborative efforts to boost student enrolment and expressed gratitude to the University management, the University community and the host community.
In her remarks, Professor Omolola Irinoye, the Vice-Chancellor, expressed immense gratitude to God for a successful 2024 and the opportunity to begin 2025 together. She attributed the University’s giant strides to collective efforts and urged the community to aim for greater achievements in the new year by doing what pleases the Lord. “Your service here should be as unto the Lord,” she said, encouraging reflection on past activities to improve future outcomes.
The exhortation, titled “Pressing Towards the Goal”, was delivered by Reverend Canon Samuel Oladimeji, Registrar and Chair of the Chapel Committee. He encouraged the University community to focus on the future with perseverance and gratitude, highlighting God’s faithfulness in guiding the institution through past challenges. He urged students to prioritize excellence and the pursuit of their goals.
The service was attended by HRH Oba Kokumo Oluwabamise, the Alaale of Ilale; Friends of Achievers University, led by Hon. S.S. Adenegan; and members of the University community, including principal officers such as Professor Oyesoji Aremu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor; Mrs. Olufunso Ayodeji, Bursar; Mrs. Darlina Ogbuiyi-Oriogu, Ag. Librarian; Mr. Dokun Farinre, General Manager, University Ventures; Deans; Directors; Heads of Departments and Units; other staff; and students.
As Achievers University began 2025 with faith and determination, the “Starting with God Service” underscores the institution’s unwavering reliance on divine guidance for progress and success.