Anchor University, Lagos, has appointed Professor Joel Babalola as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of its Governing Council as the institution enters a new phase of expansion and academic development.
Babalola, a Professor of Education Management and former Dean at the University of Ibadan, was appointed following the inauguration of the university’s third Governing Council by its Chancellor, Pastor William Kumuyi.
The inauguration, held at the university’s Senate Chambers in Ayobo, Lagos, brought together leaders of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, members of the Board of Trustees and representatives of the university community.
His appointment comes as Anchor University begins implementing its 10-year strategic roadmap covering 2026 to 2036.
A New Leadership Role
As Pro-Chancellor, Babalola will lead the Governing Council in providing strategic direction for the university’s administration, development and expansion.
One of the major plans contained in the university’s new roadmap is the proposed relocation of the institution to its second site near the Deeper Life International Conference Centre in Mowe, Ogun State.
The move is expected to support the university’s long-term expansion as its student population and academic activities continue to grow.
Who Is Prof Joel Babalola?
Babalola is a Professor of Education Management with academic and administrative experience in the Nigerian university system.
Before his appointment at Anchor University, he served as a Dean at the University of Ibadan, where he was involved in academic leadership and university administration.
His experience in education management is expected to contribute to the university’s efforts to strengthen its academic structures and implement its long-term development plans.
Other Members of the Council
Babalola will work alongside other notable members of the newly inaugurated Governing Council.
They include veteran journalist Emeka Izeze and Professor Babatunde Ope-Davies, Pioneer Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Lagos.
Izeze, a Mass Communication graduate of the University of Lagos, had a long career with Guardian Newspapers Limited, where he served in several editorial and management positions, including News Editor, Editor, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief.
He also served as Chairman of the Nigerian Media Ombudsman and General Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
Ope-Davies, an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and Commonwealth Scholar, is the Founding Director of the Centre for Digital Humanities at the University of Lagos.
Why the Appointment Matters
The new council takes charge at a significant point in Anchor University’s development.
The faith-based private university, established by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has recorded substantial growth in recent years, with its student population increasing from about 600 to more than 2,700 within five years.
The growth has created a need for stronger planning, infrastructure, academic development and institutional capacity.
Babalola, in his maiden address to the university community, called for collaboration among students, faculty and management to develop solutions to national challenges.
He also emphasised the role of faith and collective responsibility in achieving the university’s goals.
The Road Ahead
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Pastor Obinna Nkemjika, charged the new council to ensure the effective implementation of the university’s development plans.
He described the Governing Council as the key organ responsible for making strategic decisions for the smooth running and advancement of the institution.
With the inauguration of its third Governing Council, Anchor University is therefore entering a new chapter—one in which Babalola and other council members will be expected to provide the leadership needed to guide the institution through its 2026–2036 strategic roadmap.
At the centre of that roadmap is an ambitious expansion agenda, including the planned move to a new site and efforts to further strengthen the university’s academic development.
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