Aquinas College Akure, Ondo State | Established 1951

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The Principals

The Principals

Leadership at Aquinas College, Akure

The School Principal and the Mission Principal

Aquinas College, Akure operates under a dual leadership structure comprising the School Principal and the Mission Principal, a unique arrangement that reflects both its status as a government-owned institution and its deep-rooted Catholic heritage.

The School Principal is appointed by the State Government and oversees the day-to-day administration, academic coordination, and operational management of the college. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with state educational policies, maintaining discipline, and driving overall school performance and student development.

In parallel, the Mission Principal, appointed by the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, represents the founding mission of the college and ensures that the school’s spiritual, moral, and faith-based values remain at the core of its operations. The Mission Principal works closely with the parish, the local Catholic community, and the school administration to promote character formation, religious education, and the Catholic identity of the institution.

Together, the School Principal and the Mission Principal provide complementary leadership, balancing academic excellence with moral integrity and faith-driven mentorship. Their collaboration ensures that Aquinas College continues to stand as a beacon of holistic education, grounded in both sound scholarship and timeless values.

School Principal

Mr. Adebisi Jimbola - Aquinas School Principal

Mr. Adebisi Jimbola

Principal, Aquinas College Akure

Mr. Adebisi Jimbola is an accomplished educationist and dedicated administrator currently serving as the Principal of Aquinas College, Akure. Born on 13th September 1965 in Akure, Ondo State, he is a product of both sound academic training and deep community values.

His educational journey began at St. David’s Primary School, Akure, where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1976, followed by his secondary education at Akure High School, earning the Senior School Certificate in 1982. He proceeded to obtain a B.Sc. (Hons.) degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 1990, and later earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko in 2004.

A seasoned professional with years of experience in educational leadership, Mr. Jimbola has served in various capacities that underscore his commitment to excellence and discipline. In addition to his role as Principal, he holds key positions in notable professional and alumni bodies:

  • Chairman, Concerned Graduate Teachers (Ondo State).
  • Chairman, All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Akure South Zone.
  • Chairman, Great Ife Alumni Association, Akure Branch.

Mr. Jimbola is a Christian, married, and deeply rooted in values that reflect in his professional and personal life. His approach to leadership is defined by integrity, dedication to youth development, and a strong belief in community engagement.

Beyond the walls of academia, he enjoys driving, playing draughts, walking, and reading—hobbies that reflect both his contemplative nature and his balanced lifestyle.

Mr. Adebisi Jimbola continues to inspire both staff and students of Aquinas College through visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

Mission Principal

Rev. Fr. Joseph Ifetoye Ajayi - Mission Principal, Aquinas College Akure

Rev. Fr. Joseph Ifetoye Ajayi

Mission Principal, Aquinas College Akure

Rev. Fr. Joseph Ifetoye AJAYI was born on the 17th of August, 1972. He hails from Ipe Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area, Ondo State.

He started his formal education at St. James’ RCM Primary School, Ipe-Akoko, where he obtained his Primary Six Leaving Certificate in 1984. Joseph AJAYI thereafter proceeded to Ipe High School, Ipe Akoko, from where he later progressed to complete his secondary school education at Sacred Heart Seminary, Akure.

He began his journey to the Catholic priesthood in January 1998 with the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, when he was sent by the Diocese to St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year, Ekpoma, in Edo State. Later that same year, in October, Joseph AJAYI proceeded to All Saints Major Seminary, Uhiele-Ekpoma. During his formation for the priesthood, he studied and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Benin, Benin City, in 2002, and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome, in 2006.

Joseph Ifetoye AJAYI was ordained a Catholic Priest on September 29, 2006, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Akure, by His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, the Emeritus Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese. Since then, he has continued to serve the Church and humanity in various capacities, including Pastor, Spiritual Director, Chaplain, and Educator.

These include:

  1. 2006–2009: Assistant Parish Priest, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Oke-Oka Akoko.
  2. 2009–2010: Assistant Parish Priest, St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Oke Paadi, Ondo.
  3. 2010–2013: Assistant Parish Priest, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ife Road, Ondo. During this period, he was also appointed in 2012 (to date) as the Chaplain and Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary Society, Catholic Diocese of Ondo.
  4. 2013–2021: Parish Priest, St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Ile-Oluji.
  5. 2021–2022: Parish Priest, St. Peter Claver, Ilara-Mokin.
  6. 2021–Present: Chaplain, St. Benedict Chaplaincy, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin.

Other Academic Achievements:

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), 2011 – Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
  • Master of Arts (M.A.) in Religious Studies, 2015 – Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Religious Studies, 2021 – Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph AJAYI was appointed as the Mission Principal of the prestigious and respected St. Thomas Aquinas College, Akure on June 22, 2022, by Most Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese.