The Federal University, Lokoja has unveiled a student leadership initiative that will temporarily confer the symbolic authority of the vice chancellor on an outstanding student, as part of activities marking 100 days since Professor Gbenga Ibileye assumed office as the institution's fourth vice chancellor.

Ibileye, who took charge of the university on February 16, 2026, disclosed the development through a personally signed statement released on Tuesday in Lokoja. He described the scheme as "a celebration of academic excellence and a powerful statement of the administration's investment in its students."

Beyond the leadership initiative, the university announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Sciences, backed by a N3 billion Tertiary Education Trust Fund. Ibileye noted that the centre "positions the university at the frontier of the technologies reshaping the global economy" and will serve as a hub for advanced research, postgraduate training and high value skills development for the institution and the wider region.

The National Universities Commission granted full accreditation to eight academic programmes during the period, namely Mass Communication, Computer Science, Education Mathematics, Integrated Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology and Sociology. The vice chancellor affirmed that this outcome "strengthens the university's academic standing and affirms the quality of its teaching, facilities and faculty."

Infrastructure improvements at the Felele Permanent Campus also featured prominently among the 100 day achievements. Ibileye revealed that lavatory facilities had been renovated and fully reticulated, existing boreholes refurbished, and additional boreholes placed under construction to guarantee a more reliable water supply.

On institutional planning, Ibileye disclosed that the Vision Plan 2026 to 2031 had been advanced to White Paper stage and tabled before the Governing Council. He added that "Five Pillar Cohort Committees produced detailed reports, which a dedicated White Paper Committee harmonised into a single coherent roadmap now awaiting formal adoption."

The university's pioneer College of Health Sciences cohort has passed the Basic Medical examination and progressed to Basic Clinical Training. Upon completing their programme, the students are positioned to become the first generation of medical doctors trained entirely within Kogi State.