When Batten, J. D., in his book, ‘Tough-Minded’ defined leadership as a development of a clear and complete system of expectations in order to identify, evoke and use the strengths of all resources in the organization to achieve results, hence, he has the Vice-Chancellor, Wesley University Ondo, Rt. Rev. Prof. Obeka Samuel (JP) in mind. This is due mainly to the visionary leadership of Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Sunday Obeka, the Vice-Chancellor, whose unwavering determination to turn the faith based citadel of learning to a global acclaim is set to redefine the narrative of leadership in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

Appointed as Vice-Chancellor in January, 2021, Rt. Rev. Prof. Obeka hit the ground running in a manner of speaking. For a Bishop, who has consistently displayed unwavering integrity and dedication to education, Obeka’s leadership has break away from the conventional norms and stereotypes that have often defined leadership roles in this clime. The Methodist Church Nigeria Bishop, Prof. Obeka has had a distinguished academic journey that makes him eminently qualified for his role. With a Ph.D. in Geography & Environmental Science Education plus other executive and management programmes attended in the course of his career, Obeka’s academic qualifications, research achievements and leadership experiences have prepared him for this job at Wesley University Ondo. Wesley University Ondo, founded by Methodist Church Nigeria in the year 2007 is a faith based Citadel of Learning with the vision of Academic excellence comparable to global practice Obeka had very invaluable academic and administrative experiences traversing major reputable tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

He rose progressively from being an Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer II, Lecturer I and to a Senior Lecturer in 2008 in the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He has also occupied various leadership positions, such as Head of Geographical & Environmental Education program, Deputy Dean, Chair Faculty Conference, Quality Assurance Committee and Journal Editor. Hence, he was prepared for the job of the Vice-Chancellor of Wesley University Ondo well ahead of time. In addition to these academic and administrative positions at the ABU, Rt. Rev. Prof. Obeka held the position of Connexional Secretary for Evangelism and Discipleship of Methodist Church Nigeria, where he concluded his first tenure of five years as editor of the Church Spiritual Literatures such as daily reflection, Sunday Tonic, Discipleship, Sunday School and Adult Training manuals, etc.

As the Vice-Chancellor of Wesley University Ondo, Bishop Obeka embodies not academic excellence alone, but also the spirit of progressive and inclusivity. What sets him apart is his leadership style, which combines the spiritual wisdom and dynamism. He recognised the importance of retaining the core values of academics, while also embracing the changing needs of students, staff and the community. With Wesley University Ondo positioned as an ideal innovative university and having carved its niche as a forward thinking institution dedicated to excellence and inclusivity, it comes as no surprise that the citadel of learning choice for its third substantive Vice-Chancellor is Prof. Obeka, Samuel Sunday (Rt. Rev.) His visionary leadership have propelled the university to new heights. Under the Bishop, Professor Obeka, Wesley University Ondo is witnessing a surge in research output, academic collaboration with other great Universities across the globe.

The First Methodist Bishop Professor is also known as an advocate for diversity in all aspects of the university. His administration has fostered an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds thrive, learn, and grow, while also recognizing the university’s role in the broader community. In the relationship of the host community and gown, Obeka has done well by initiated programmes and projects aimed at uplifting the local community and societal challenges. Under his leadership, Wesley University Ondo has been making giant strides on the globe stage through partnerships and collaborations with international institutions as Professor Obeka’s vision is focused on putting Nigerian education on the globe map and creating citizens of the world.

Wesley University Ondo is a full-boarding modern institute with state-of-the-art facilities, highly professional administrative and dedicated academic and non-academic staff who are equipped to bring out the genius in students in the areas of academics, sports and leadership amongst others. The man of God, Rt. Rev. Prof. Obeka Samuel Sunday met the university with 22 programmes in Colleges of Natural and Applied Sciences, Social and Management Sciences, Environmental Design and Management, Agriculture, Food Science and Technology as well as Arts, but today, he has added 23 new programs with over 55 programmes in new Colleges, which include, Health Science, Education, Law and School of Postgraduate Studies. The development offers an extensive range of programmes across eight Colleges, such as: Medical & Health which offers programmes namely: Nursing Science, Community Health Science, Medical Laboratory Science. Others are: College of Social and Management Science which offers programmes in Finance & Investment, Business Administration, Accounting, Hospitality Management and Tourism, Economics, Mass Communication, Political Science, International Relations & Diplomacy amongst others. While the College of Law offers a comprehensive Law programme.

Wesley University Ondo provides an enriching learning environment that fosters innovation, critical thinking, and collaborative opportunities, empowering students to thrive academically and personally. The Distance & Online Learning, Part-Time and Entrepreneurship development centre products of the university can competes favourable with any product in the general public across the globe, and the students are encouraged to acquire different skills. The institute of ICT centre is among the best in Nigeria Universities today. Some of uncompleted infrastructure and buildings met by the Vice-Chancellor are currently undergoing renovation with provision of infrastructures. As a man of vision, new projects in collaboration with NEBALOLA FARMS are rising, in the university permanent site. By the grace of God, very soon, some of the colleges would be relocating to the permanent site with modern facilities as well as offices and staff quarters.

In their separate remarks at the last University convocation ceremony, the Chancellor of the University, Senior Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche, and Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Barr. Samuel Ode, said that Wesley University Ondo is blessed to have Prof. Obeka Samuel S. as Vice-Chancellor, because under his visionary leadership, they are confident that the University will continue to flourish and provide the needed educational environment for academic excellence. They further said that the Bishop’s passion for learning and his dedication to excellence align with the core values of Wesley University Ondo. It is therefore obvious that his first tenure in the office will represents a significant milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s tertiary education. “Bravo”