The School of Postgraduate Studies, Mountain Top University (MTU), has appointed Professor Andrew Ofudje as its new Dean, following the elevation of the former Dean, Professor Gabriel Ajayi, to the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University. The appointment, which took effect on 1st of August, 2026, marks a new chapter in the administration of the School as it continues to strengthen postgraduate education, advance research, and enhance the academic experience of postgraduate students and researchers. Professor Ofudje is a distinguished Professor of Chemistry with extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. He has built a notable academic career through sustained engagement in research and scholarly publications, including works indexed in the Scopus database. He was the Dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences of the University before this appointment.
His appointment comes at a significant period in the development of postgraduate education, as universities around the world increasingly place emphasis on high-quality research, innovation, international collaboration, and the production of knowledge capable of addressing complex national and global challenges. In his address following his assumption of office, Professor Ofudje described his appointment as more than a leadership position, stressing that it represents a call to service and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of postgraduate education at Mountain Top University. According to him, his foremost responsibility will be to serve postgraduate students and researchers whose academic pursuits contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of the University, the nation, and the global academic community.
“This appointment is more than a position of leadership; it is a call to service. My foremost commitment is to you, our postgraduate students and researchers, who are advancing the frontiers of knowledge and contributing to the growth of our University, our nation, and the global academic community,” he stated. Professor Ofudje outlined three major priorities that will guide his administration: strengthening the postgraduate research journey, promoting academic excellence with global relevance, and building a vibrant postgraduate community. The new Dean stated that his administration would focus on improving the postgraduate experience from admission through to the completion and defence of theses and dissertations. He noted that efforts would be directed towards making postgraduate processes more efficient, transparent, and rewarding for students and researchers. According to him, the School would work towards establishing clearer academic timelines, improving the responsiveness of supervision, strengthening administrative processes, and enhancing access to research resources. These measures, he explained, are intended to create an academic environment in which postgraduate students can conduct their research more effectively and receive the necessary institutional support to complete their programmes successfully.
Professor Ofudje emphasised that postgraduate education should provide students with more than academic qualifications, noting that the research process must also equip scholars with the intellectual and practical capabilities required to contribute meaningfully to society. “A postgraduate degree should produce more than a certificate; it should produce knowledge that transforms lives,” he stated. To achieve this, Professor Ofudje said the School would encourage high-quality and impactful research focused on addressing national and global challenges. He further highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships with industry, increased participation in academic conferences, research collaborations, and publication mentoring. According to him, these initiatives would help position postgraduate students and their research for greater visibility within the international academic community, while creating opportunities for them to engage with scholars and institutions beyond the University.
Professor Ofudje further expressed his commitment to transforming the School of Postgraduate Studies into a vibrant academic community where scholars can interact, collaborate, and inspire one another. He noted that the School should not be viewed merely as an administrative office responsible for postgraduate programmes, but as an intellectual community capable of fostering innovation, collaboration, and academic growth. His administration, he said, would promote interdisciplinary engagement, research seminars, peer mentorship, networking opportunities, and initiatives aimed at supporting the overall well-being of postgraduate students. “Great ideas flourish in an environment where scholars learn from, inspire, and support one another,” he stated.
While outlining his vision for the School, Professor Ofudje acknowledged that postgraduate education comes with several challenges, including administrative bottlenecks, funding limitations, and the competing demands placed on students and researchers. He, however, assured members of the postgraduate community that his administration would approach these challenges with transparency, integrity, and consistency. The new Dean acknowledged that not all institutional challenges could be resolved immediately but pledged to pursue practical solutions through collaboration and sustained engagement with stakeholders. He also promised to operate an open-door policy, encouraging postgraduate students and researchers to communicate their ideas, concerns, and constructive suggestions to the School’s leadership.
Professor Ofudje also expressed appreciation to previous Deans and leaders of the School of Postgraduate Studies for their contributions to its growth and development. He acknowledged the vision, dedication, and sacrifices of past administrators, noting that their efforts had helped establish a solid foundation upon which the School continues to build. “We are grateful for the solid foundation they have laid, and by the grace of God, we will continue to build upon it for even greater achievements,” he stated.