FUOYE Council Honours Outgoing VC Fasina at Valedictory Session during 10th Convocation

The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, held a valedictory session in honour of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, as part of activities marking the university’s 10th Convocation Ceremonies.

The session formally marked the close of what many described as a transformative tenure that reshaped FUOYE’s academic, infrastructural and administrative landscape.

The event, held at the Council Chambers of the university’s new ultra-modern Senate Building, brought together principal officers of the institution, members of the Governing Council, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, the University Senate and Congregation.

Tributes poured in for Professor Fasina, with speakers describing him as driven, fearless, relentless and result-oriented — attributes they said defined his leadership philosophy.

In his valedictory address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, described Fasina as “an enigma,” noting that under his leadership, FUOYE rose from the 12th to the fourth most subscribed university in Nigeria within three years.

According to him, the achievement came despite internal and external challenges.

“Even in the midst of crisis, FUOYE continued to move forward in leaps and bounds,” Ndoma-Egba said, adding that the university secured accreditation for new faculties and strengthened its academic profile during Fasina’s tenure.

In a light moment that drew laughter, the Pro-Chancellor joked about the outgoing Vice-Chancellor’s uncommon energy and work ethic, wondering if his vehicle should be checked for energy drinks.

Beyond the humour, Ndoma-Egba commended the unity of Council members, particularly the external members, during turbulent periods and assured that the same institutional support would be extended to the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Tajudeen Opoola, also offered prayers and appreciation for both the outgoing and incoming Vice-Chancellors, emphasising the need for continuity, stability and collective responsibility in university administration.

In a tribute, the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, spoke on his over two decades of relationship with Fasina, describing him as assertive, unstoppable and results-driven.

“If he sets his mind on a direction, it will take a truck to stop him,” Ogunwole said, adding that Fasina’s physical and symbolic legacies, particularly the university’s signature blue-roofed structures, would remain enduring reminders of his leadership. “You are the Jagaban of FUOYE,” he remarked.

Speaking for the external members of Council, Hon. Ifeoma Ndukwu thanked God for allowing Fasina to complete his tenure.

“Many start, but not many finish. Serving till the end is a privilege,” she said, urging the new administration to consolidate on existing achievements.

Similarly, Hajia Nafisat Aminu recalled her initial reservations about the institution but admitted she became impressed after seeing the developments on ground. She praised Fasina’s positive energy, noting that while no leader is without flaws, his impact at FUOYE was substantial.

Representing the Minister of Education, Mr. Matthews Nganjiozor described Fasina as a servant-leader who was “restless because of the needs of others,” noting that FUOYE’s growth to over 60,000 students within five years remained remarkable within the Nigerian university system.

Goodwill messages also came from Rt. Hon. Olanike Omoworare, who lauded Fasina’s passion for institutional development, and Mr. Olusola Taiwo, who represented the University Congregation and highlighted reforms in the Postgraduate School, where enrolment reportedly grew from 242 to over 1,000 students.

In his response, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina expressed gratitude to the Governing Council, management and staff for their support throughout his tenure. He urged the university community to extend the same cooperation to the incoming Vice-Chancellor and prayed for a successful administration.

The session also featured a symbolic tree-planting exercise by Council members to underscore FUOYE’s commitment to sustainability and long-term growth. The trees, described as economically viable species, are expected to contribute to the university’s Internally Generated Revenue.

The event ended with the presentation of a send-forth gift to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, handed over by the Pro-Chancellor on behalf of the Governing Council in appreciation of Fasina’s service and contributions to the transformation of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti.