By Law Ibitoye
The newly inaugurated Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has applauded Senator Sylvester Ayodele Arise and other key stakeholders for their pivotal roles in the establishment and growth of the institution.
Prof. Ogunwole gave the commendation on Wednesday during his inauguration as the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university. He noted that FUOYE’s impressive national and international rankings, as well as the economic growth witnessed in its host communities, were products of the collective determination and sacrifices of individuals who championed the creation of the university.
According to him, “The outstanding performance of this university, both nationally and internationally, and the economic transformation of neighbouring communities would not have been possible without the concerted efforts of stakeholders who stood firm to ensure its establishment.”
Recalled that during the university’s 2025 convocation ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), had also commended Senator Arise for his instrumental role in pushing for the establishment of FUOYE while serving at the 6th National Assembly. Ndoma-Egba had noted that the institution, now regarded as the fourth most sought-after university in Nigeria, has brought pride not only to Ekiti State but to the nation at large. He acknowledged Senator Arise, who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, for facilitating several interventions that strengthened the university’s foundation, declaring, “Arise, you have done well for your people.”
Similar accolades were expressed by the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fashina, during his visit along side the school management to senator Arise at the last convocation ceremony.
While appreciating the university’s host communities, Prof. Ogunwole reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering cordial relationships with Oye, Ikole, Ayegbaju, Ilupeju-Ekiti and other neighbouring towns. He assured that the university would deepen community engagement and scale up its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that his administration would prioritise discipline, hard work, innovation and massive infrastructural development. He stressed that FUOYE would not only be known globally for academic excellence but also for decency, integrity and uprightness in all its dealings.
Prof. Ogunwole pledged to carry student union leaders along in decision-making processes but warned against acts of violence or misconduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s reputation. He added that staff members would equally be held to high standards of discipline and professionalism, while calling for the cooperation of staff, students and host communities to move the university forward.
Although he acknowledged ongoing infrastructural development on campus, the Vice-Chancellor appealed to the Federal Government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the university in expanding lecture theatres, auditoriums and staff quarters. He paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fashina, describing him as a transformational leader whose impact would remain indelible in the history of the institution. He also recognised the contributions of former Vice-Chancellors who laid the foundation for FUOYE’s growth since its establishment in 2011.
Dignitaries at the inauguration included the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Oladunni Olaoye, Orumogege II; the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Bishop Felix Ajakaiye; other royal fathers; religious leaders; Ekiti State Government functionaries; captains of industry; academics and other distinguished guests.
