After seven years of visionary leadership, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola, an esteemed Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, officially concluded her tenure as Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta. Known for her exceptional administrative acumen, Prof. Babalola’s departure marks the end of a transformative era for the institution.
From her early days, Prof. Babalola’s career has been guided by a dedication to responsibility and excellence, values she has carried throughout her time in academia. A native of Imo State, she trained at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife before becoming the first female Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Ibadan (UI). She served in several key positions at UI, including a historic two-term deanship in the Faculty of Pharmacy, before her path led her to Chrisland University in 2017.
Supported by her husband, Bishop Collins Olufemi Babalola, she accepted the role of Vice Chancellor despite alternative global opportunities. Dr. Winifred Awosika, Chrisland University’s Chancellor, personally appointed her, entrusting her with the institution’s burgeoning legacy. Since then, Prof. Babalola has built a reputation for “translating vision into reality,” implementing transformative changes that have significantly elevated the university’s standing.
One of her notable achievements includes securing full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) within a remarkably short timeframe, earning her the title "NUC Par Excellence." Her tenure saw student enrollment surge from 55 to 2,000, reflecting the university’s rise in popularity.
In her leadership, Prof. Babalola recruited top talent, fostered relationships with global academic institutions, and bolstered morale among Chrisland’s staff and students. Her commitment to quality education extended beyond Chrisland; she advocated for systemic improvements within Nigeria’s educational sector and called for private universities to benefit from the TETFund.
Beyond her professional duties, Prof. Babalola balanced her roles as a wife, mother, and active participant in Nigeria’s academic community. Despite challenges, she achieved monumental upgrades, equipping Chrisland with state-of-the-art facilities and cultivating a robust educational environment.
Stakeholders, including Dr. Awosika, Pro-Chancellor, Deputy VC Prof. Ebenezer Farombi, Board of Trustees members, and numerous staff and students, praised Prof. Babalola for her unwavering dedication. They lauded her as a “rare breed” and a trailblazing leader who led by example, consistently going “where there is no path and leaving a trail.”
As she passes the baton to her successor, Prof. Babalola leaves a legacy of progress and innovation. Her parting advice underscores the importance of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence for the institution’s future.
As she steps away, her contributions to Chrisland and Nigerian academia remain invaluable, and her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations.