Toye Fisher
Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has formally stepped into a defining new chapter with the inauguration of Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole as its Fifth Substantive Vice-Chancellor, effective February 11, 2026.
The historic transition marks the end of the tenure of Professor Abayomi Fasina and the beginning of a renewed institutional drive anchored on high-performance research, innovation, integrity, and strategic growth.
The inauguration ceremony was both reflective and forward-looking, a moment that celebrated institutional continuity while boldly outlining the road ahead.
Delivering a thought-provoking lecture titled “Leading Change: Transitioning Universities into High Performance Research and Innovation,” former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, underscored the weight of leadership in shaping university destiny.
He reminded the gathering that universities exist not merely to award degrees, but to advance society through intellectual excellence, innovation, and disciplined scholarship. A Vice-Chancellor, he emphasized, is not just an administrator but the chief academic officer, chief image-maker, chief fundraiser, and strategic driver of institutional vision.
The message was clear: leadership must be courageous, visionary, fair-minded, and firmly committed to excellence.
In his inaugural address, Professor Ogunwole formally assumed the responsibility of leadership with a pledge to serve with character, competence, courage, compassion, and integrity.
He reaffirmed his commitment to: Reimagining teaching and learning; Strengthening research intensity and innovation uptake; Enhancing global visibility; Promoting fairness and institutional discipline; and Building a future-ready university anchored on knowledge, creativity, and strategic partnerships.
Declaring that the 21st century will be defined by knowledge and its effective application, he assured stakeholders that FUOYE will position itself among globally recognised centres of academic excellence.
“I pledge to serve FUOYE diligently,” he affirmed, “guided by vision and determination, ensuring that the University realises its full potential.”
However, in a decisive step toward implementing his agenda, the Vice-Chancellor announced key appointments to strengthen the administration and drive coordinated execution of his vision.
The newly appointed officers include: Professor Adebola Adewunmi Aderibigbe – Senior Technical Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor;; Mrs. Oyeyimika Koyejo- Fasakin – Director, Office of the Vice-Chancellor; Mr. Emmanuel Adohoje – Desk Officer for TETFund and Special Duties (Office of the Vice-Chancellor) and Mr. Ayegbusi Adewale Emmanuel – Administrative Secretary (Office of the Vice-Chancellor).
Others are Mr. MUIYIWA Victor Olubo – Internal Auditor (Office of the Vice-Chancellor).; Dr. Benedicta Olayinka Adewoyin – Senior Programme Assistant, FUOYE Green Initiative.; Mrs. Christiana Ojo Oluyemi – Secretary, Office of the Vice-Chancellor.; and Mr. Dauda Matthew Maikarfi – Executive Officer (Office of the Vice-Chancellor).
The Vice-Chancellor directed the appointees to assume duty immediately and oversee ongoing handover processes, expressing appreciation to those who had previously served in the Office for their dedication and admirable performance.
These appointments reflect a strategic effort to assemble a team defined by competence, loyalty to institutional systems, integrity, administrative depth, and the capacity to deliver measurable results.
Meanwhile, Tributes were paid to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, whose leadership contributed significantly to FUOYE’s growth trajectory. The smooth transition reflects institutional maturity and the strength of the University’s governance structures.
As highlighted during the inauguration, universities must strive to be: Engines of growth; Centres of innovation and excellence; and Agents of development and wealth creation.
With Professor Ogunwole at the helm, FUOYE signals its readiness to transition from growth to high performance, from expansion to consolidation of global standards.
The ceremony concluded with a powerful declaration of unity and shared responsibility. The Vice-Chancellor described the moment as a new dawn and a renewed identity for FUOYE, one built on strong values, robust policies, and collective commitment.
With renewed energy, a clearly articulated vision, and a strategic leadership team in place, Federal University Oye-Ekiti now embarks on what promises to be a transformative era.
Photo Credit: Nifesimi Ogungbe
