By Olugbenga ‘Toye
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Fasina, has highlighted far-reaching achievements recorded by the University over the past five years, describing the period as one of purposeful leadership, institutional discipline, and steady transformation.
Professor Fasina disclosed this on Monday during a press conference held at the newly constructed Senate Building to herald the 10th Convocation Ceremony of the University and formally announce his exit as Vice-Chancellor, with his tenure ending on Saturday, 7 February 2026.
According to him, one of the most remarkable milestones of his administration was a 310 per cent increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), a development he said significantly strengthened FUOYE’s financial sustainability and capacity to fund academic and infrastructural expansion.
He noted that the improved financial base was complemented by a surge in student enrolment, positioning FUOYE as a preferred destination for admission seekers.
National admission statistics, he said, ranked FUOYE as the fourth most subscribed university in Nigeria out of 303 universities.
On academic growth, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that the University expanded from eight faculties to eighteen, while academic programmes increased from 73 to 91, with 84 new programmes introduced within the period.
He added that 91 programmes are now fully accredited, with interim accreditations secured for Pharmacy, Statistics, and Radiography. Professor Fasina further disclosed that FUOYE recorded over 204 professorial promotions within five years, describing the feat as evidence of a vibrant academic environment that rewards scholarship, research productivity, and professional excellence.
In terms of global recognition, the Vice-Chancellor stated that FUOYE has continued to rise in international rankings. In the Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 Rankings, the University was ranked fourth in Nigeria, while it also featured prominently in the Impact Rankings, World University Rankings, Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, and Sub-Saharan Africa Rankings. He added that FUOYE ranked 10th among Nigerian universities and 38th in Sub-Saharan Africa, affirming its growing regional and global relevance.
The University also made its debut in the World University Rankings by Subject 2026, where it was ranked in Physical Sciences and Social Sciences, placing within the fourth band nationally in both categories.
Professor Fasina said infrastructure development remained a defining feature of his administration under the widely acknowledged “Blue Roof Legacy,” with over 160 infrastructural projects executed across the campuses to include: the Senate Building, Ndoma-Egba 1,000-seater Auditorium, Faculty of Law Building, Microfinance Bank, CBT Centre, modern laboratories, academic complexes, and Freedom Park.
He also highlighted major strides in digital transformation through the deployment of the FUOYE Integrated Digital System (FIDS), which enhanced internet connectivity, operational efficiency, and service delivery.
On research and innovation, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that 34 lecturers attracted competitive research grants and equipment valued at over ₦430 million, while a landmark international grant of over $534,000 was secured from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for data modelling and analytics research.
Professor Fasina further said the University institutionalised innovative academic initiatives such as Professors of Practice, Diaspora Professors, and Emeritus Professors, strengthening industry–academia linkages, international collaboration, and mentorship. Distinguished professionals and scholars from Nigeria and the diaspora, he noted, have continued to enrich teaching and research at FUOYE.
In line with its commitment to holistic development, he disclosed that FUOYE excelled in sports, emerging first in Ekiti State, second in Nigeria, and third in Africa, while its football team qualified for the 2024 Africa National Games.
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor explained that all these achievements were guided by his Twenty-Point Agenda, introduced at the inception of his tenure in 2021, adding that the agenda has been substantially accomplished.
As part of the 10th Convocation Ceremony, 7,648 students are expected to graduate. The breakdown, according to the Vice-Chancellor, includes 131 First Class graduates, 2,519 Second Class Upper, 3,777 Second Class Lower, 966 Third Class, and 3 Pass degrees. The Overall Best Graduating Student is Adeniyi Maryam Adedolapo, of the Department of Anatomy, with a CGPA of 4.89.
Professor Fasina expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the Governing Council, staff, students, and stakeholders for their support throughout his tenure, stressing that FUOYE is now firmly positioned for sustained excellence, stability, and global competitiveness beyond his administration.