The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Achievers University, Owo, Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde, has called on academic staff of the University to renew their commitment to the University’s vision and actively contribute to the realization of its 13 foundational dreams.
Delivering his presentation titled “Achievers University of My Dream and You” at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Academic Staff Retreat on Monday, 10th March 2025, at the University’s CBT Hall, Hon. Dr. Ayorinde emphasized the crucial role of staff dedication in sustaining the institution’s continued success.
Being fourth in the University’s history, the 2025 Retreat took a more structured approach by dividing participation into three categories. The Pro-Chancellor announced that the academic staff retreat would be followed by separate sessions for Council and Management staff in April 2025 and senior non-teaching staff in May 2025. This restructuring, he explained, was necessitated by the University’s growing workforce and the need to address the distinct challenges of each category.
Hon. Dr. Ayorinde reflected on the institution’s 17-year journey and expressed pride in its steady growth, highlighting the 38 fully accredited academic programmes, an uninterrupted academic calendar, 14 successful convocations, and consistent salary payments as hallmarks of the University’s commitment to excellence. “This retreat is not just a routine break; it is a platform to reaffirm our vision and address the challenges that could hinder our collective progress,” he stated.
Outlining his 13 dreams for the University, the Pro-Chancellor envisioned an institution known for academic and research excellence, world-class ICT integration, student mentorship, entrepreneurial development, sports engagement, and international recognition. He reaffirmed his desire for Achievers University to become the best in Africa, offering the best welfare packages for staff.
Despite the progress, the Pro-Chancellor candidly addressed the key challenges hindering the full realization of these aspirations. He cited lack of commitment, academic indiscipline, dishonesty, insubordination, and acts of sabotage as major concerns.
“My greatest headache over the years has been the unwillingness of some staff to fully buy into the dream,” he remarked. “Some prioritize personal gains over institutional growth, while others engage in proxy teaching, neglect their mentoring roles, or fail to meet ethical standards.”
Hon. Dr. Ayorinde, therefore, urged lecturers to uphold professionalism, embrace effective teaching, maintain discipline, and show unwavering loyalty to the University. Special emphasis was placed on eradicating unethical and unhealthy academic practices, which he described as detrimental to the University’s reputation.
To address these challenges, he emphasized continuous professional development, mentoring programmes, adherence to university policies, and fostering a culture of mutual respect. He assured staff of leadership’s commitment to sustaining a supportive environment, but insisted that accountability and discipline must remain top priorities.
Declaring the retreat open, Hon. Dr. Ayorinde set the stage for impactful discussions on shaping Achievers University’s future. He encouraged all staff to maximize the retreat by engaging in open dialogue and embracing innovative ideas. “Let us work together to build a legacy that will serve as a beacon of excellence,” he urged.
