Chinedu Okafor
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) community came alive on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as Nzukọ Ụmụnne FUOYE marked its 10th anniversary at the Fasina Conference Centre with inspiring goodwill messages of unity and oneness, colourful cultural displays, and the official launch of a ₦60 million commuter bus project aimed at supporting members of the Igbo community on campus.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Abayomi Fasina, who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Babatunde Afolabi, lauded the bravery and contributions of the pioneer staff of the university, including the Pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedu Nebo, for their doggedness and unflinching resolve to pilot the affairs of the young institution despite daunting challenges.
Besides, he commended their wisdom and resilience in handling the initial issues associated with the university’s location, saying that FUOYE had since metamorphosed into one of Nigeria’s most vibrant and fastest-growing universities.
Professor Fasina urged members of staff to remain united and purpose-driven, assuring that with continued determination, FUOYE would attain global recognition in no distant time.
Chairman of Nzukọ Ụmụnne FUOYE, Associate Professor Osmond Agu, eulogised members for their steadfastness in sustaining unity, mutual support, and cultural bonding among Igbo staff since its formation.
However, he noted that the group had consistently prioritized community service, welfare, and institutional growth, describing the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment while encouraging the members to avoid distractions that may hinder the group’s progress or disrupt communal harmony.
In their goodwill messages, Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Barrister Ambrose Chukwuemeka Anyanwu (KSJI), and the President General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Ekiti State, High Chief Sir Alex Ndubuisi (KSJI, Ezechimasuluzo), emphasized unity and oneness as the bedrock of national development.
They noted that the Igbo must remain cohesive if they hope to achieve shared goals and maintain their collective strength.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Special Guest of Honour, the Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, who was represented by Dr. Chukwukelue Umenyilorah, reminded the audience that “Igbo may be scattered, yet never lost,” emphasizing that the Igbo identity remained intact in regardless of geographical separation, noting that the people’s shared values of hard work, enterprise, and solidarity would continue to distinguish them across the world.
He highlighted that the strength of the Igbo nation lies in its cultural philosophy of mutual support and resilience, a trait that had enabled them to thrive in various parts of the world despite historical challenges.
Professor Nebo, however, urged members of Nzukọ Ụmụnne to uphold these virtues, stressing that a people who preserved their roots would never lose direction.
Nebo also commended FUOYE for fostering an environment where diverse cultural groups flourished in unity while praising Nzukọ Ụmụnne for strengthening communal ties on campus, encouraging them to remain ambassadors of peace, discipline, and academic excellence.
He urged the group to continue mentoring the younger generation so they would embrace their identity with pride and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Foremost Director of Innovation and Research Centre, FUOYE, and Chairman/CEO of Lord Ezetech International Ltd., Engr. Dr. Damian Ifeanyi Eze, expressed delight at the significant growth FUOYE had recorded within a short period, recounting the early days of the institution, noting that the journey was not easy, as the pioneer team had to work with vast empty land.
He praised the determination of the early administrators and staff for overcoming the hurdles of building a new university.
Eze noted that the theme “Nzukọ Ụmụnne, Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya” resonated strongly with him because it reflected a core Igbo value of brotherhood and mutual support.
While lauding the initiative to raise funds for a ₦60 million commuter bus for Ndi Igbo in the University, he explained that such a project would address transportation challenges and ease mobility for members attending social and cultural engagements.
He donated ₦1 million to support the initiative and pledged to explore further fundraising opportunities to ensure its speedy completion.
Also speaking, Guest of Honour, High Chief Sir Gilbert Igweka (KSS), who was represented by his General Manager, Sir Kingsley Maduabuchi Nwache, reminisced on his NYSC days in Ekiti State in 2011 when FUOYE had just been established.
He expressed amazement at the University’s rapid development within fourteen years and applauded the community for its resilience while donating ₦2 million naira towards the commuter bus project.
Dr. Emmanuel C. Chukwu, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, delivered a vote of thanks and appreciation on behalf of the committee.
Specifically, he thanked the university management, donors, members of Nzukọ Ụmụnne and all guests for their support, noting that the success of the anniversary and fundraising drive reflected collective determination and generous collaboration.
Besides, he appealed for continued support to meet the target for the commuter bus and acknowledged the dedication of the planning team.
Highlights of the occasion were the thrilling command dance performance by students of Theatre and Media Arts and the melodious presentations by the St. Cecelia Choir of St. Thomas More Catholic Chaplaincy, FUOYE, which excited the audience.
The event also showcased a series of artistic and cultural performances, including the Ogene Dance troupe which captivated the audience with energetic traditional rhythms, while the amiable disc jockey, DJ Olex, provided soothing music that resonated across the hall.
Other prominent attendees included; Bursar, Dr. Mrs. Adebolanle Debo- Ajagunna; Internal Council Member, Mr. O.O. Taiwo; Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Chika Asogwa; Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Sunday Adedini; and the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Cecelia Olufunke Akintayo.
