By Otitoju Femi
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has charged the institution’s newly inaugurated Students’ Union Government executives to lead with integrity, foster unity, inclusiveness and responsible leadership, assuring them of the university management’s full support.
The charge was delivered during the inauguration of the 9th SUG Executive Council held at the Faculty of Arts on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, where the Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. Babatope Alabadan, described the peaceful transition as another milestone in FUOYE’s democratic culture.
“We are celebrating democracy in FUOYE. We are also celebrating responsibility because every student leader must be accountable to those who elected them,” Ogunwole said.
He commended the Dean of Students’ Affairs and Support Services, Prof. Babalola Temitope, for coordinating a peaceful and credible online election, describing the process as a testament to the university’s commitment to transparency and innovation.
Addressing the new executive council led by the SUG President, Comrade Ajayi Olusegun Samuel, popularly known as The Unifier, the Vice-Chancellor urged the team to lead with courage, wisdom and compassion.
“You have been entrusted with the responsibility of representing the voices of your fellow students. Leadership is not about being in charge; it is about caring for those in your charge. Be fair, inclusive and innovative. Build bridges, inspire unity and always put the interests of students first,” he said.
Ogunwole assured the new student leaders of management’s continued support, stressing that their tenure would be judged by the positive impact they make on students and the institution.
“We are behind you; you are not alone. Your success will be measured by the difference you make in the lives of students and in the growth of this institution,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor also praised the outgoing executive led by Comrade Adio James Iyanuoluwa for what he described as a legacy of peaceful leadership, accountability and dedicated service.
“We appreciate your sacrifices, commitment and contributions to the development of FUOYE. Your service will remain part of the university’s history,” he said.
Earlier, the Dean of Students’ Affairs and Support Services, Prof. Babalola Temitope, described the inauguration as a historic handover from the outgoing “Better Days” administration to the incoming “Unifier” administration.
He noted that the online election was conducted peacefully without violence, describing it as unprecedented in the university’s history.
Congratulating the new executives, Temitope urged them to live up to the ideals of their campaign slogan by embracing integrity, honesty and dialogue.
“You have chosen to be known as ‘The Unifier.’ Let that unity be evident in your integrity, honesty and dialogue. Carry everyone along, avoid division and work together for the progress of FUOYE,” he said.
He added that the Vice-Chancellor remained committed to strengthening student leadership and providing an enabling environment for the new administration to succeed.
In his valedictory address, the immediate past SUG President, Comrade Adio James Iyanuoluwa, said his administration fulfilled its promise of delivering “Better Days” through landmark projects and student-centred initiatives.
He listed the commencement of the Students’ Sanctuary project, introduction of the student identity card initiative, advocacy for improved campus security, intervention in transportation challenges, resistance to arbitrary hostel rent increases, healthcare and welfare programmes, leadership development initiatives, cultural and sporting activities, digital transformation of the Students’ Union and the successful conduct of a peaceful democratic transition among the achievements of his administration.
“We came with an agenda; today, we leave with a legacy. These achievements were possible because of the support of the university management, my executive council and the entire student community,” he said.
In his inaugural address, the new SUG President pledged to run an inclusive administration under his “Unifier Agenda,” with priority on welfare, academic advancement, security and health, collectively branded as the W.A.S.H. Agenda.
“This victory belongs to every FUOYE student. Our administration will be guided by transparency, accountability, compassion and integrity. Every student matters, every faculty matters and every voice matters,” Ajayi said.
He also promised to strengthen collaboration with the university management, improve students’ welfare, promote academic excellence, enhance campus security and expand access to healthcare.
Present at the epoch-making event were the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Chika Asogwa; Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. M. O. Adedokun; Director of JUPEB, Prof. Dosu Malomo; Administrative Secretary, JUPEB, Mrs. Olufemi Olorunleke; Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Prof. Gabriel Opeyemi Ogunleye; Deputy Dean, Student Affairs, Dr. Jacob Opele; and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Sunday Adedini.
Others in attendance included the Deputy Director, Counselling Unit, Dr. Adams A. B.; Deputy Director, Research and Development, Prof. O. O. Oketayo; Director of Health Services, Dr. Adeshina Grace; Deputy Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Dr. Oluwatimilehin Oluwadare; representative of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Jude Okoro; Chief Accountant, Mr. Sanusi (representing the Bursar); Student Affairs Officer, Mr. Oloruntele Raphael Olarewaju (representing the Registrar); CSO. Captain Bitanis Raymond rtd; Student Leaders; as well as other stakeholders from within and outside the university community.
Photo credit: Bamidele Eleniola
