President Bola Tinubu has approved Associate Professor Smart Olugbeko as the substantive Provost of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti State. The Governing Council of the institution announced the appointment at its 8th Regular Meeting held on June 10, 2026.

Dr Khadijah Garba, Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday. She described Olugbeko as a seasoned academic and administrator with more than two decades of experience spanning teaching, research and educational leadership. According to Garba, the appointment runs for a single term of five years and takes effect from the date of assumption of office.

"The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti, approved the appointment of Dr Smart Olugbeko as the substantive Provost of the College," she stated, adding that the tenure "takes effect from the date of his assumption of duty."

Before this appointment, Olugbeko served as a Chief Lecturer on secondment at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Ekiadolor, Edo State, and had earlier served on sabbatical and secondment at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos. He began his academic career at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, now Adeyemi Federal University of Education, rising through the ranks from Lecturer III to Chief Lecturer and Associate Professor.

Garba noted that Olugbeko has built a strong scholarly record, particularly in bilingualism, language policy and conflict resolution. "A prolific scholar, Dr Olugbeko has authored numerous peer reviewed publications, textbooks and scholarly contributions in the areas of bilingualism, language policy and conflict resolution," she revealed. The council further highlighted that he has received more than 40 professional awards and honours from academic bodies, student groups and community organisations.

The statement also pointed to his leadership role in the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, where he served as President and Zonal Coordinator, contributing to major policy reforms including the implementation of the dual mandate curriculum. Garba added that Olugbeko played a key part in securing TETFund interventions and attracting grants from bodies such as UNESCO and the Universal Basic Education Commission, and noted that he remains a respected resource person for the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the National Universities Commission.

The Governing Council expressed confidence in his ability to provide visionary leadership and congratulated him on the appointment, pledging support towards advancing the institution's mandate and growth.