The Redeemer’s University, Ede, in Osun State, has announced the appointment of Prof (Mrs.) Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, making her the first woman to occupy the exalted position since the establishment of the institution in 2005.
The appointment, which took effect from November 1, 2026 – for an initial period of three years – was conveyed in a letter dated the same day by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Visitor to the University, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
In the appointment letter, Pastor Adeboye expressed confidence in Professor Olatunji-Bello’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the university, noting that the appointment was a reflection of the trust reposed in her.
He expressed the expectation that she would justify the confidence placed in her by helping to move the university towards the realisation of its lofty vision.
As Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Olatunji-Bello is expected to provide strategic leadership to the University’s Governing Council and contribute to strengthening institutional governance, strategic direction and the pursuit of academic excellence.
The appointment comes at a pivotal period in the university’s development as it continues to expand its academic offerings, strengthen research and innovation, and consolidate its standing as a leading citadel of learning in global education institutions’ sector.
Pastor Adeboye, in conveying the appointment, congratulated Professor Olatunji-Bello and wished her a successful tenure, assuring her of the continued love and prayers of the RCCG.
“While we wish you a successful tenure, kindly accept our congratulations,” he said.
Reacting to the news, the immediate past Pro-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, said she is the right choice for the job, noting that her appointment is expected to add tremendous impact and significant value to the university because of the huge social capital and goodwill that she brings to her new appointment.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, stated that the university is happy and excited to have her on board as it continues its drive towards attaining higher feats in the global higher education landscape.
He added that her emergence marks a new era in financial sustainability and infrastructure development as part of the continuation of the vision and the legacies of the immediate past Pro-Chancellor , Professor Ogundipe, who has moved higher as the Chairman of National Universities Commission Board.
Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello was born in Lagos on April 23, 1964. She began her education at Anglican Girls’ Primary School, Surulere (1970–1974), and proceeded to Lagos Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, Surulere (1974–1979).
She later attended Methodist Girls’ High School, Yaba, and Lagos State College of Science and Technology, Ikosi Campus, where she completed her A-Levels in 1982.
Proceeding, she earned BSc (Hons) in Physiology from the University of Ibadan in 1985. Following her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year at the University of Lagos, she obtained an MSc in Physiology from the same institution in 1987.
In 1994, she undertook a six-month research fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Centre, San Antonio, USA, and earned her PhD in Physiology from the University of Lagos in 1998.
She was appointed a Professor by the Lagos State University in 2007, and because of her sterling contributions and unparalleled service to the academic development of the Department of Physiology, Senate of the Lagos State University conferred on her with the honour of Distinguished Professor of Physiology in January 2026.
Beyond her scientific training, Professor Olatunji-Bello holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology from the Redeemed Christian Church of God Bible College (2001) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Lagos State University (2018).
In 2012, she attended Course 34 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, as a nominee of the National Universities Commission (NUC), where she was awarded the distinguished membership of the National Institute (mni).
She has been conferred with several professional fellowships, including the Physiological Society (UK, 2017); Physiological Society of Nigeria; Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (2019); Nigeria Psychology Association (2022); Society of Educational Administrators of Nigeria (2023); National Labour Institute (2023); and the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (2023).
In May 2023, she received the prestigious National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
An accomplished academic, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello began her career at the University of Lagos as an Assistant Lecturer in 1988.
She rose steadily through the ranks to become Lecturer II (1991–1996); Lecturer I (1996–1999); Senior Lecturer (1999–2005); Associate Professor (2005–2007); and was appointed the first Professor of Physiology at Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) on October 2, 2007.
At LASU, she has held numerous leadership positions, including:
-Head, Department of Physiology, LASUCOM (2007–2008);
-Deputy Vice-Chancellor (2008–2010);
-Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic (2011–2013);
-Acting Vice-Chancellor (July–December 2010; January–October 2011); and Pioneer Director, Directorate of Advancement (2016–2020).
She also served as a government representative on the Lagos State University Governing Council between 2004 and 2008. She served on the same Council as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor between 2008 and 2012 and as Senate Representative on the Council from 2017 to 2021.
On September 17, 2021, she was appointed the 9th substantive and 2nd female Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU) by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Visitor to the University.