Professor Reuben Jiya Kolo is an academic luminary and seasoned administrator whose professional trajectory has been marked by excellence and impactful service to academia and the nation at large. Born on 21 March 1962 in Doko, Niger State, he received his early education in various institutions across the state, culminating in a Bachelor's degree in Zoology from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in 1987.
Demonstrating an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Professor Kolo obtained a Master's degree in Hydrobiology and Fisheries from the University of Ibadan in 1990, after which he joined the Federal University of Technology, Minna as an Assistant Lecturer. His academic prowess and commitment to research drove him to pursue a doctoral degree, which he acquired in 1996 from his alma mater, FUT Minna, in the field of Hydrobiology and Fisheries.
Over the course of his illustrious 33-year career at FUT Minna, Professor Kolo rose meteorically through the ranks, being promoted to the enviable rank of Professor in 2010. His research efforts have resulted in over 60 publications in reputed national and international journals. He has successfully supervised over 50 undergraduate projects, 20 master's dissertations, and 15 doctoral theses. His exemplary teaching and mentorship skills have impacted generations of students who have become professionals in their own right.
An administrator par excellence, Professor Kolo has held numerous strategic positions at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, including Head of the Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology (on three occasions), Deputy Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Deputy Director of the National Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources (CCCFR), and Director of the Industrial Liaison Office (ILO) for the Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) for the University. He has been an esteemed member of the FUT Minna Senate and has served on several boards and committees within the university.
Beyond his contributions to FUT Minna, Professor Kolo's expertise has been sought by various institutions and organisations. He served as an external examiner to the Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, New Bussa, and has assessed over 10 scholars for professorial ranks across Nigerian universities. He has been a member of the National Committee on UNESCO's International Hydrological Programme (IHP) in Nigeria since 2005. Additionally, he has participated in several national assignments, including serving as a member of various Federal Government Technical Review Panels for Environmental Impact Assessment projects across the country.
Professor Kolo's professional affiliations are numerous, reflecting his multidisciplinary expertise. He is a member of several learned societies, including the Agricultural Society of Nigeria, the National Association of Fish Farmers and Aquaculturists, the Fisheries Society of Nigeria, the National Association of Aquatic Sciences, the National Environmental Study Team, the Environmental Protection Society of Nigeria, and the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria.
Professor Kolo has attended and obtained certificates in several local and international conferences, leadership training, and workshops. He attended training for Principal Officers and Deans of African Universities at Kenyatta University, Kenya, from 22-27 October 2018, under the Association of African Regional Universities forum (RUFORUM). He has also participated in other in-house training for public and private institution governance. He was a sabbatical staff member at the University of Agriculture Makurdi, and a visiting Professor at Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He has been a member and has also led National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation teams to other universities. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Crawford University from October 2010 to 14 May 2020.
Professor Kolo teaches and conducts research in the areas of Aquaculture, Fisheries, Hydrobiology, Ecology, and Toxicology. He is a consultant to the Federal Ministry of Environment on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of proposed projects. He has been an external examiner for postgraduate students in numerous universities and an assessor for many academic staff members seeking promotion to professorial positions. He has participated and continues to participate in national and university-coordinated research projects.
With an enviable track record of academic excellence, administrative proficiency, and national service, Professor Reuben Jiya Kolo’s appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and a well-deserved recognition of his immense contributions to the advancement of knowledge and human capital development in Nigeria.
Prof. Isaac Adegbenga Aladegbola, a distinguished academic and administrator, assumed the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Crawford University in December 2023. His appointment was approved by the University Board of Trustees and Governing Council, recognising his exceptional qualifications and contributions to the institution.
With his wealth of knowledge, administrative acumen, and commitment to academic excellence, Prof. Isaac Adegbenga Aladegbola is poised to continue making invaluable contributions to Crawford University as the Deputy Vice Chancellor.
Born on 22 April 1968 in the southern part of Ekiti State, Prof. Aladegbola has an illustrious academic background. He earned a B.Sc. degree in Political Science from the University of Ilorin in 1998, followed by an M.Sc. in Political Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) in 2004 and 2006, respectively. He further pursued his doctoral studies, obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Political Science from the University of Ilorin, with a specialisation in the Political Economy of developing nations, working on policy responses to poverty management and inclusive growth.
Prof. Aladegbola's career in academia spans over two decades, during which he has made significant contributions to teaching, research, and administration. He began his journey as a Graduate Assistant at the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, from 2002 to 2005. Subsequently, he served at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, College of Education, Ikere Campus, where he rose through the ranks from Assistant Lecturer to Lecturer I between 2005 and 2014. From 2014 to 2016, he held a position at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. He then joined Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, where he progressed from Lecturer I to Senior Lecturer from 2014 to 2020.
In 2020, Prof. Aladegbola joined Crawford University, where he has since served in various administrative capacities. He was the Acting Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations from 2020 to 2021 and the Dean of Student Affairs from 2021 to 2023. Prior to his current role, he was a member of the Governing Council.
Prof. Aladegbola's research prowess is reflected in his extensive list of publications in prestigious local and international journals, books, and conference proceedings. He has attended numerous local and international conferences, presenting his scholarly works and engaging with peers in his field.
In his career, Prof. Aladegbola has been the recipient of several accolades and awards, including the Merit Award for Most Dedicated Lecturer from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in 2005, the Lecturer of the Year Award from the National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS) in 2021, and the Academia Award as Academician per Excellence by the Freelance & Independent Broadcaster Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) in 2008. In 2022, he received the Academia Award from Gold Media Concepts International, among several others.
Prof. Aladegbola is an active member of professional organisations, including the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Social Science Research Council, the Pan African Solidarity Education Network (PASEN), and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). He became an African fellow of the American Political Science Association (APSA) in 2014 and was awarded the APSA Centennial Grant in 2017, further recognising his academic excellence. He has also won four scholarship awards to attend international conferences of the African Institute of South Africa (AISA) and HSRC between 2013 and 2015.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Prof. Aladegbola has extensive leadership experience in community youth development activities and has been featured extensively on radio and television as a public analyst, providing insights on local and national issues.
Prof. Aladegbola is happily married with three children, and his hobbies include reading, writing, travelling, and political analysis.
Pursuant to Statute 4, Section 2 of the Crawford University Law (2004), and Section 9.5 of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Code of Corporate Governance for Private Universities in Nigeria (2019), the Registrar is the Chief Administrative Officer responsible to the Vice Chancellor for the day-to-day administrative work of the University, except in financial matters. By virtue of that office, the Registrar is the Secretary to the Governing Council, Senate, Convocation, and Congregation, as well as other statutory committees of the University. As the Chief Administrative Officer, the Registrar is responsible for the custody of the records and the common seal of the University. He is also responsible for the interpretation of regulations, statutes, and laws, and for advising the Vice Chancellor and other statutory organs in line with the statutes.
Prior to his appointment as the first indigenous substantive Registrar of Crawford University in September 2020, by the Governing Council, as approved and endorsed by the Board of Trustees and Proprietor respectively, Mr Itauma, Nseobong Moses, was a Member of the Council of Crawford University, serving meritoriously on that august body between 2019 and 2020. He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and a B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Yaba, and Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, respectively.
Mr Itauma is an astute and consummate university administrator of repute, having headed several important units in the University Registry for many years. His invaluable contributions culminated in the advancement, growth, and further development of the University. He has also served in various capacities on several boards and committees within and outside the University and has been an External Expert/Consultant on several interview panels for the appointment of Registrar(s) of other universities in Nigeria. He is a Consultant to Training Guide International (TGI), a consortium of several reputable and accredited foreign universities. Mr Itauma is a recipient of several awards and commendations for his sterling performance, hard work, dedication, resourcefulness, and tenacity. He is a coach, mentor, teacher, and public speaker at various forums and has served as a resource person at numerous trainings and workshops. He has a strong passion for excellence and professionalism in tertiary educational administration, with a robust bias for Public Relations and Advertising.
In the professional sphere, Mr Itauma is a member of several associations nationwide, including the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Registrars of Private Universities in Nigeria (CVCRPUN); the Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU); Fellow of the Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators of Nigeria (FIPMA); Fellow of the Institute of Oil & Gas Research and Hydrocarbon Studies (FIOGR). He is also a member of the Institute of Management (Chartered) (MNIM); the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA); and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (ANIPR), among others. He was the founding Chairman of the ANUPA, Crawford University Chapter. He is currently a member of the National Retreat Planning Committee of ARNU.
Mr Itauma is known for his integrity, and his advocacy for positive change and continuous development is legendary. He has a flair for writing, and his hobbies include travelling, reading, swimming, meeting intelligent people, listening to classical music, and watching professional football. He is happily married to Happiness, and their union is blessed with adorable children.
B.Sc., M.Ed. (Ibadan), M.Sc., FCA, FCTI
Olukemi Ojo Ayeni is a distinguished financial expert who currently serves as the Bursar of Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State. With over two decades of progressive experience in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management, Mrs. Ayeni brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her pivotal role.
Her educational journey began with obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Ado Ekiti, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors. Mrs. Ayeni further solidified her academic credentials by pursuing a Master of Education in Economics of Education from the University of Ibadan, and a Master of Science degree from Crawford University itself.
Mrs. Ayeni's professional qualifications are equally impressive. She is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI). Her association with these esteemed bodies dates back to her early years, when she completed the Accounting Technicians Scheme (ATS I & II) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria..
Before assuming her current role as Bursar, Mrs. Ayeni served Crawford University in various capacities, including Principal Accountant, Chief Accountant, Acting Bursar, and Deputy Bursar. Her extensive experience spans various institutions, such as the University of Ibadan Ventures Limited, University of Ibadan, where she held positions like Senior Audit Clerk, Audit Supervisor, Accounts Supervisor, and Accountant.
As the Bursar of Crawford University, Mrs. Ayeni's responsibilities are multifaceted. She oversees the financial operations of the University, ensuring prudent management of resources through rigorous budgeting processes, efficient disbursement system and budgetary control mechanisms. Additionally, she provides timely reports to facilitate informed decision-making by the University's management, Council, Board of Trustees, and Proprietor.
Beyond her core duties, Mrs. Ayeni plays a crucial role in managing the financial affairs of the University's various income-generating units and supervising the institution's investment activities. Her commitment to financial excellence is further exemplified by her active participation in various committees, including the Public Relations and Gestures Committee, which she chairs, as well as the Development Committee, Budget Preparation Committee, and Appointments and Promotion Committees.
Mrs. Ayeni's professional affiliations extend beyond the confines of Crawford University. She is an active member of the ICAN and CITN District Societies in Ibadan and Ota, further underscoring her dedication to her profession and its advancement.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Ayeni has consistently sought opportunities for professional development, attending numerous conferences, workshops, and training programs. These include the Annual Accountants' Conferences organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Annual Tax Conferences of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, and workshops on topics such as financial management, reporting, IFRS certification, and e-payment systems.
With her extensive educational background, professional qualifications, diverse work experience, and commitment to continuous learning, Olukemi Ojo Ayeni exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated financial steward. Her leadership at Crawford University, coupled with her active involvement in professional and community organizations, undoubtedly positions her as a driving force behind the institution's financial stability and growth.
Elizabeth Bukunola Lateef is currently serving as the acting University Librarian of Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, Nigeria. She is a certified Librarian and a member of the Nigeria Library Association (NLA). She has written several articles (that are published in reputable journals) and book chapters. She has also participated in several workshops, seminars, and conferences.
Over the years, she has organised the annual World Book Day celebration for secondary school students, which serves as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for Crawford University Community. This programme has helped stir up the interest of secondary school students to books and reading. Her research interest is focused on library environment, Library Anxiety and Reading culture as they influence library utilization among students.
She holds both Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Library, Archival, and Information Studies from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, and she is presently a research student at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
