By Olugbenga ‘Toye
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Fasina, has attributed the sustained peace and stability on the campus to deliberate leadership strategies and proactive student engagement
Professor Fasina made this known on Monday during a press conference held at the university’s Senate Building as part of activities leading to FUOYE’s 10th Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that contrary to speculations and rumours, the institution has recorded no pockets of crisis, stressing that the academic calendar has continued to run smoothly without disruption throughout his five-year tenure.
According to him, the prevailing peace on campus is the outcome of effective local intelligence and constant engagement with student leaders, particularly members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).
He disclosed that SUG executives are regularly taken outside the state for leadership retreats, where they are exposed to training on responsibility, dialogue, and conflict management. “At these retreats, we teach them not to rock the boat. We bring in seasoned resource persons to equip them for leadership. Management also clearly tells them what we expect from them, while they in turn make their plans and demands known. This mutual understanding has helped us to work harmoniously for a seamless academic calendar,” Fasina explained.
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor further revealed that as part of efforts to strengthen communication between management and students, he appointed a former Students’ Union President, Teslim, as his Special Assistant on Students’ Matters. He noted that the initiative bridged gaps, reduced tension, and ensured that students’ concerns were promptly addressed.
“That decision helped immensely. We didn’t just meet their demands; we ensured that students were happy. When students feel heard, crises are naturally avoided,” he added. Professor Fasina also highlighted the introduction of electronic voting for students’ union elections as a major reform that eliminated election-related violence and disputes on campus. He said the system has guaranteed transparency, freedom of choice, and credibility in student elections.
“Since the introduction of e-voting, students vote seamlessly for candidates of their choice without fear or manipulation. That alone has removed a major source of unrest in FUOYE campuses,” he said.
Reflecting on his achievements, Fasina reiterated that the peaceful atmosphere in FUOYE created an enabling environment for massive infrastructural and academic development. He disclosed that no fewer than 160 infrastructure projects were completed across the campus within five years, transforming the institution into one of the most sought-after universities in the country.
He revealed that FUOYE is currently ranked as the fourth most sought-after university in Nigeria, a feat he attributed to discipline, stability, and purposeful leadership.
“I am leaving FUOYE better and more transformed than I met it. I believe I have fulfilled my mandate, and I am confident that my successor will build on the foundation we have laid,” Fasina said.
As his tenure winds down, the Vice-Chancellor appealed to staff, students, host communities, and other stakeholders to extend full cooperation to the incoming Vice-Chancellor to sustain the gains recorded by the institution.
Professor Fasina also announced that a total of 7,684 graduands will be awarded degrees at the 10th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, February 7, 2026, marking another milestone in the history of the university. The convocation, he said, will not only celebrate academic excellence but also reflect the growth, stability, and transformation of FUOYE under his leadership.