The Alumni Association of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has hailed the appointment of a professor of soil ecosystem, Joshua Ogunwole, as the institution’s 5th substantive vice chancellor.
A statement issued at the weekend by the association and signed by its President, Temitope Arogundade, describes the appointment as “a defining moment that promises renewed academic vibrancy, strengthened administration, and deeper global engagement for the institution.”
According to Mr Arogundade, Mr Ogunwole’s appointment has been widely commended by critical stakeholders in the university’s project, saying his choice is “a testament to his scholarly pedigree, transformational leadership style, and purposeful vision for higher education development in Nigeria.”
Backstory
On Thursday, the university, via a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, Foluso Ogunmodede, announced the selection of Mr Ogunwole, an incumbent Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of strategic partnership, research, innovation, and linkages, by the institution’s governing council, as the university’s 5th substantive vice-chancellor.
Mr Ogunwole is expected to take over from the outgoing vice-chancellor, Abayomi Fasina, also a professor of soil science.
Mr Fasina, who had in recent times faced a tough time fighting opposition within the university system, recently returned to the university after a six-month leave, and he is billed to complete his five-year single tenure of office in February 2026.
Alumni association happy with appointee
The statement by the alumni association further added that the FUOYE students, staff, alumni, development partners, and stakeholders have welcomed the news with an atmosphere of hope and collective aspiration.
“The Alumni Association of this great University joyfully celebrates the selection of Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole as the 5th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE. His outstanding academic journey, his administrative maturity, and his commitment to value-driven leadership resonate deeply with our aspirations for a university that stands tall in Nigeria and on the global stage,” the statement reads in part.
The association emphasised that with FUOYE’s rising student population, widening research footprint, and expanding national relevance, the role of the vice-chancellor at this moment in history demands strategic foresight, partnership cultivation, alumni engagement, and institutional strengthening; areas the association believes Professor Ogunwole is well-positioned to lead effectively.
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It also reaffirmed the readiness to collaborate closely with the new administration in areas such as alumni capacity mobilisation, professional mentorship for students, international academic linkages, resource development, research support, graduate employability initiatives, infrastructural expansion, and corporate relations.
“The alumni association of FUOYE remains a strong and growing force with a presence in every sector of the economy at home and abroad. We stand ready to work hand-in-hand with the vice chancellor-elect to broaden the university’s opportunities, raise its impact, and strengthen pathways that connect our students to the world. We believe that the future of FUOYE is a shared responsibility,” the statement added.
The statement urged all stakeholders, staff, students, alumni, government partners, and community leaders to unite behind the new vice chancellor to build an era of shared development and progressive achievement.
