Anglican varsity unveils plan to build campus, museum in Ajayi Crowther’s hometown

The Ajayi Crowther University has unveiled plans to build a series of projects to immortalise the late bishop whom the institution was named after. 

Crowther, who is the first African bishop of the Anglican Church, was born in Osoogun, Oyo state.

Receiving Moses Olalere, the traditional ruler of Osoogun and his people, Dapo Asaju, the vice-chancellor of the university, described the late Crowther as “the greatest Nigerian who left his footprints on the sand of time”.

Asaju told traditional ruler that the “unparalleled achievements of the deceased in all spheres of life qualify him for a lifelong celebration.”

The VC assured the community that the university was poised to turning the town into a tourist centre and a place of learning to honour and preserve the memories of the late bishop.

Listing the proposed projects, the VC said the university‟s centre for entrepreneurship studies, school of Anglicanism studies and the faculty of agriculture would be located at Osoogun campus, while the indigenes of the town will enjoy a tuition-free scholarship.

He also said a museum that will preserve the late Crowther’s memorabilia will be established.

“I attended a primary school founded in the present Kogi state by Ajayi Crowther,” he said.

“I also had the honour of heading the Crowther Graduate Seminary, Abeokuta, and by God‟s Grace, I am currently the Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. As you can see my trajectory is laced with the memories of Ajayi Crowther.”

Asaju said he personally felt obligated to contribute his quota to the celebration of the late icon because his life journey has repeatedly interfaced with the memories of the deceased.

The VC further promised that he will be teaming up with Kemi Oduntan, bishop of Ajayi Crowther Diocese, to build a mausoleum where the late bishop will be finally laid to rest.

In his remarks, the baale of Osoogun expressed appreciation for the proposed initiatives, saying the university’s gesture would raise the status of his community and boost its socio-economic activities.

To show the readiness of the community to embrace the projects, the Baale announced a donation of 40 hectares of land for the projects.