Professor Ogunwole to Assume FUOYE Vice Chancellor Role in February 2026
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has confirmed the appointment of Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole as its next Vice-Chancellor. His appointment, which was announced by the Governing Council of the university, will officially take effect on February 11, 2026, immediately after the tenure of the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, comes to an end. Professor Ogunwole is a respected academic and currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation, and Linkages.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the headquarters of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), assured that the appointment process was strictly based on merit. He explained that the entire application and assessment system was digitalised to promote fairness and transparency. According to him, applications were submitted online, and the screening system carried out evaluations before the results were manually reviewed by the council for confirmation.
Addressing concerns raised in some quarters over the venue of the selection meeting, Ndoma-Egba clarified that there is no legal requirement mandating that the Governing Council must sit within the university campus. He emphasised that the council is only required to ensure that due process is followed, and that was fully adhered to in the appointment of the new Vice-Chancellor.
The Pro-Chancellor also commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fasina, for what he described as an excellent performance in office. He noted that Professor Fasina recorded remarkable achievements in terms of infrastructure development and improving the institution’s academic standing. He urged staff, students, and stakeholders to give the incoming Vice-Chancellor their full cooperation to ensure continuity and further growth.
Meanwhile, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of FUOYE has issued a strong warning to the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) regarding any planned protest or gathering within the university premises. The SUG insisted that FUOYE remains a centre of learning and should not be used for political agitation or external mobilisation. The union stated that no external group is allowed to hold demonstrations on campus without approval.
In a statement signed by the SUG President, Adio James, along with other executives, the union stressed that the university community is currently enjoying peace and stability, and it will not support any action that could disrupt academic activities. It also warned that any deliberate attempt to ignore the directive would be seen as an act of trespass and provocation.
With the transition to new leadership already in motion, many within the FUOYE community are hopeful for continued progress. Professor Ogunwole’s background in research, innovation, and academic development is expected to contribute to strengthening the institution’s capacity for impactful learning and global competitiveness.
The appointment signals a new chapter for the institution, and there are high expectations that the collaborative efforts of the university management, students, and stakeholders will lead to sustaining FUOYE’s growth in the years ahead.
