The Adventist University of Africa (AUA) has appointed a new leadership team to guide the institution through the 2026–2030 quinquennium, affirming its focus on academic excellence, spiritual integrity, and mission-driven service. Following a rigorous international search, the university’s governing body confirmed a new vice chancellor and two deputy vice chancellors to lead AUA’s next chapter.
The Vice-Chancellor: Ademola Stephen Tayo
Effective January 1, 2026, Ademola Stephen Tayo will assume the role of vice chancellor. A distinguished scholar and administrator, he currently serves as vice chancellor of Babcock University in Nigeria.
In a formal announcement, AUA University Council Chair Robert Osei-Bonsu, PhD, expressed confidence in the appointment and thanked outgoing Vice Chancellor Vincent R. Injety for his years of dedicated service and leadership.
Tayo holds a PhD in Development Education (1999) and a Master of Arts in Religion (1993) from Central Luzon State University in the Philippines; a Postgraduate Diploma in Religion (1987) from the Adventist Seminary of West Africa, now Babcock University in Nigeria; and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics (1985) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
His leadership experience includes service as pioneer director of academic planning, head of the Department of Education and General Studies, special assistant to the vice chancellor, acting rector of Adventist University Cosendai in Cameroon, dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, and since 2015, vice chancellor of Babcock University.
His experience includes leadership at Babcock University, where he has served as Pioneer Director of Academic Planning, head of the Department of Education and General Studies, special assistant to the vice-chancellor, acting rector of Adventist University Cosendai in Cameroon, and dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies.
In a message to the AUA community, Tayo expressed his vision for the university’s future:
"At this dawn of a new beginning, I pledge to serve AUA with unwavering commitment to God's Word and to foster a Christ-centered postgraduate community dedicated to mission-focused scholarship and global impact. Together, we will pursue an open, fair, efficient, and policy-guided administration that respects all and meets evolving needs."
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration: Professor Kibirango Moses Mpiima
Associate Professor Kibirango Moses Mpiima has been appointed deputy vice chancellor for academic administration. He brings more than 27 years of experience in higher education, management, and research, and currently serves on the faculty of the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, specializing in management, entrepreneurship, and organizational dynamics.
Mpiima earned his PhD from Makerere University, Uganda, and holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, India. His diverse educational background includes a Post-Graduate Diploma in Computer Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. His research interests include education reform, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and ethical leadership—areas closely aligned with AUA’s mission.
He succeeds Risper Awuor in this role.
"I envision AUA as a model Adventist university where academic excellence, innovative research, digital transformation, and faith-based learning thrive together. Guided by the charge to ‘be strong and courageous,’ I commit to mission-driven, collaborative leadership that strengthens quality, nurtures spirituality, and advances AUA’s impact across Africa and beyond," Mpiima said.
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Financial Administration: Sheron Ndhlovu
Sheron Ndhlovu has been appointed deputy vice chancellor for financial administration. An experienced higher education administrator and scholar in business and accounting, she currently serves as deputy vice chancellor for finance at Malawi Adventist University.
Ndhlovu earned her PhD in Business (specializing in Accounting) from the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies in 2025. She holds a Master of Commerce degree in Applied Accounting from Great Zimbabwe University and an MBA from Solusi University. Her background in financial planning, resource management, and governance has been key to strengthening institutional sustainability in her previous roles.
She replaces Makhosiwonke Moyo in this position.
"I am deeply honored to serve as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Financial Administration. I look forward to working collaboratively to strengthen our financial stewardship, support academic excellence, and uphold the university’s mission with integrity and transparency," Ndhlovu said.
The Path Forward: Faith, Excellence, and Service
University leaders say the new team reflects AUA’s commitment to nurturing a Christ-centered academic community marked by excellence, integrity, and service. Their combined experience spans multiple countries, institutions, and disciplines, supporting AUA’s vision to be a center of faith-driven scholarship and societal transformation.
The university invites the global Adventist community to pray for the new leadership team. Their collective goal is to inspire a new era of excellence that reflects Christ’s love and truth, inspiring generations of leaders who will serve with humility, wisdom, and a deep commitment to the church's mission.
About the Adventist University of Africa
Founded on the principles of faith, scholarship, and service, the AUA strives to equip students with knowledge, character, and leadership skills rooted in biblical truth. As a premier institution of higher learning in Africa, AUA continues to be a catalyst for societal change, developing leaders who serve with integrity and compassion in diverse professional and community contexts.
This article was provided by the Adventist University of Africa.
