Toye Fisher
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State, Nigeria, Professor Olubunmi Samuel Shittu, has given a detailed account of his stewardship in the last six months as his tenure draws to a close in two weeks.
He delivered the report during the 79th Statutory Senate meeting of the university, highlighting notable achievements and lessons recorded under his watch.
Commencing his speech, Professor Shittu said “it is my pleasure to welcome you to this auspicious meeting of the Senate. I assume the duties as Acting Vice-Chancellor on the 14th April 2025, following the approval by Council for the Vice-Chancellor to proceed on accumulated annual and research leave.”
He went on: “The Vice-Chancellor will be resuming in about two weeks’ time. As a result, this is the last statutory Senate meeting I will be presiding over in my capacity as the Acting Vice-Chancellor.“
“I want to use this opportunity to thank members of Senate and all the Principal Officers for your unflinching support throughout this period.”However, I consider it expedient to highlight some of the things that have taken place in the short period as Acting Vice- Chancellor.“
“Reconciliation Committee was set up by the Council, and God has helped us to use this Committee to resolve some erstwhile issues which had caused tension in the system.“
“By the grace of God, we succeeded in concluding the 2024/2025 academic session on the 14th of June 2025. “
“The Senate has approved all graduating students’ result, while the lower levels will be handled substantially at this meeting of today..”
“The Summer School examination have been concluded, thereby closing this session.“
On Awards and Distinctions, three of our scholars won the TETFund National Research Funds. They are Prof. Olayide Lawal from Department of Chemistry; Dr. Toyin Segun Onayinka from Faculty of Communication and Media Studies; and Dr. Emmanuel Adelaja Bamigbola from Faculty of Pharmacy. I congratulate these academics for their achievement and making us proud. “
“A number of our students also won laurels in their various areas, and I want to especially thank the Director of Sports as some of our students also won laurels in the area of sports in the just concluded session. “
“A total of 54,000 candidates applied to FUOYE for admission in the 2025/2026 academic session, out of which over 25,000 were screened. “
“The performance of the candidates are relatively high, especially in the regulated courses of MBBS, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, Medical Laboratory and a few others. We decided to adopt strictly the Federal Government criteria, namely 45% merit, 35% catchment, and 10% ELDS. “
“Deans and Directors will bear witness that those qualified on these admission criteria were given to them as adherence to these criteria is the only way we can be fair to all concerned. “
“The admissions were done basically by heads of various departments under the supervision of the Deans and I also hope that JAMB will graciously consider giving us additional quota since we have shown our capacity to admit large numbers.“
“During the period under review, we had a hitch-free Student Union Election. The voting was done electronically and online while the results were duly accepted by the student populace.”
On Appointment of Statutory Directors, Professor Shittu said, “during the period, Council approved advertisement for the post of University Librarian, Director of Health Services, Director of Physical Planning, Director of Internal Audit, alongside deputy registrars, deputy bursars as well as Deputy Director of Works.”
“Interviews have been held for Director of Audit, Deputy Registrars, Deputy Bursars and Deputy Director of Works. “
“The interview exercise for the other positions are going to hold later. “
“I also want to inform this honourable Senate members that tomorrow we are having an A&PC (Appointment and Promotion Committee) meeting to look at those that have been considered for promotion which will be subject to final approval of the Council. “
“Notably with respect to the Deputy Director, Deputy Bursars, Director of Internal Audit and some of our academic staff members who are due for promotion.””
Rural electrification. “Through a well-meaning Nigerian, the university got approval for the installation of about 530 solar- powered lights, which will cover both Oye and Ikole campuses.”
“When coming from the Ceremonial Road, we discover that work is going on concerning this. So, it was as a result of a well- meaning Nigerian who has decided to give us about 530 solar lightning so that our university will be well lit.”
On promotions matter, “I wish to inform Senate that we have concluded promotions of all non-academic staff and those of academics from Assistant Lecturer to Lecturers. The A&PC is scheduled for tomorrow as I have said earlier on to determine the cases of qualified academics of readers and professors. We are waiting for Council meeting to approve the promotions in one fell swoop.”.
On behalf of management, we congratulate in advance all those waiting for Council approvals for their promotions.”
On security network, in order to solidify the security of lives and property on the campuses of the university, a joint security network was established recently with a view to partnering with the neighbouring communities for effective management and implementation of security measures.“
On matters of accreditation, some of our faculties have resource accreditation and some faculties are due for accreditation this year. “
“The accreditation exercise is being looked into by the management and also the Chairman of Accreditation Committee in the person of the Deputy Vice- Chancellor Administration, Professor Tajudeen Opoola. They are looking into some of these faculties that are in accreditation and what next to do.
“Some resource accreditation was done during the last six months. However, the real accreditation programme is scheduled to commence by next month and we are hoping to look at issues from the management and Council levels to know which of these programmes will be invited for their accreditations.”
Meanwhile, despite gains, the Acting Vice- Chancellor acknowledged lessons encountered during his tenure.
While citing dust raised by the approved increment of tuitions which initially sparked student protests but was later resolved amicably through dialogue, he addressed the delay in payment of August 2025 salaries, which arose from administrative bottlenecks following the recent retirement of the Director of Internal Audit. Although he said salary approvals did not lie with his office, he nonetheless took responsibility, and apologized to staff, describing the experience as a learning curve.
Reflecting on the three-day protest embarked upon by non-teaching staff under the Joint Action Committee (JAC 3), the Acting Vice-Chancellor assured Senate that management was committed to resolving outstanding issues and allowances while engaging the unions productively to avert prolonged disruptions.
However, in his closing remarks, Professor Shittu expressed heartfelt appreciation to God, the Senate, Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and all stakeholders of the university for their cooperation throughout his tenure.
He said: “In these few months, I am grateful to God for the grace to stand in the gap. I leave you all in His hands, without who we can do nothing, and with whom we can never fail.”
