The Federal University Oye-Ekiti has appointed a new academic leader to steer its affairs for the next tenure, with Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole set to take the helm in February 2026.
The Governing Council announced the appointment of the Professor of Soil Ecosystem on Thursday, marking a significant transition for the institution as it prepares to bid farewell to its current leadership.
Professor Ogunwole currently serves as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnership, Research, Innovation and Linkages at FUOYE. His elevation to the position of Vice Chancellor makes him the fifth substantive head of the institution.
He will officially assume office on February 11, 2026, taking over from Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, whose tenure ends the previous day.
Speaking to journalists at the National Open University of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council Senator Victor Ndoma Egba explained that the selection process embraced modern technology while maintaining transparency.
“The process was fully digitalized. The applications were launched online, and the assessments were done by the system. However, to ensure transparency and accuracy, we still carried out a manual review,” the senior lawyer stated.
Senator Ndoma Egba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, emphasized that the council followed due process throughout the appointment procedure, urging all applicants to support the incoming Vice Chancellor in building the university.
Addressing questions about the council meeting venue, Senator Ndoma Egba defended the decision to hold proceedings outside the university campus, asserting that no law restricts the council from doing so.
This clarification appears aimed at addressing concerns or criticism about the location choice for such an important decision.
The Pro Chancellor had warm words for the departing Vice Chancellor, Professor Fasina, particularly highlighting his contributions to physical development.
“He towers above his predecessors in terms of infrastructure development of the university,” Senator Ndoma Egba noted, thanking Professor Fasina for “finishing strong.”
This acknowledgment suggests the outgoing VC leaves behind a tangible legacy in campus facilities and structures.
Meanwhile, the university’s Students’ Union Government has taken a firm stance on maintaining campus tranquility during this transition period.
On Monday, the SUG issued a strong warning to the National Youth Council of Nigeria against staging any protests or gatherings within FUOYE premises without explicit permission.
In a statement signed by SUG President Adio James, General Secretary Alao Ayorinde, and Public Relations Officer Abiola David, the union emphasized that the university remains “an academic environment devoted to learning, research, and development, and not a venue for political mobilization or external agitation.”
The student body described any planned action by external groups as “unauthorised, unnecessary, and capable of disrupting the peace, order, and stability currently being enjoyed within our campus community.”
The SUG made clear that no external organization can hold protests or gatherings on campus without approval from the Students’ Union Government.
The union warned that ignoring this directive would be viewed as “a deliberate act of provocation and trespass,” signaling zero tolerance for activities that could destabilize the academic environment.
This firm position by the student leadership suggests a determination to protect the learning atmosphere as the university navigates its leadership change.
As Professor Ogunwole prepares to assume office in approximately three months, the university community appears focused on ensuring a smooth transition.
His background in soil ecosystem studies and experience in strategic partnerships, research, innovation, and linkages positions him to potentially advance FUOYE’s academic standing and external collaborations.
With the digitalized selection process complete and the appointment officially announced, attention now turns to how the incoming Vice Chancellor will build on the infrastructure legacy of his predecessor while charting new directions for the institution.
The call for unity from the Pro Chancellor and the students’ determination to maintain campus peace suggest FUOYE is positioning itself for stability and progress under its new leadership beginning February 2026.