Appointment of the Fifth Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
The Governing Council of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has officially announced the appointment of Professor Joshua Ogunwole as the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution. This significant development was made public during a press briefing held in Abuja, where the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, provided detailed insights into the selection process.
Ndoma-Egba emphasized that the appointment was the result of a thorough and transparent selection procedure. He explained that the entire process was digitalized, with applications being submitted online and assessments conducted through a system. However, to ensure accuracy and transparency, a manual review was also carried out. For instance, if the system indicated that an applicant had two fellowships, the council manually verified these claims.
The selection process began in February 2025 with the announcement of the succession program for a new Vice-Chancellor. As required by law, the position was advertised in major newspapers for six weeks, which was strictly adhered to. Every line of the advertisement was debated and approved by the council before publication. Following the six-week period, the council received a total of 64 online applications.
Once the final six names were shortlisted, the council immediately contacted the Department of State Services in Ekiti for the screening of the candidates. After a rigorous evaluation, the council approved the most suitable and qualified candidate. The outcome of this process was the appointment of Professor Ogunwole Joshua Olalekan as the fifth Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE.
Background of the New Vice-Chancellor
Professor Ogunwole obtained his first, second, and third degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Between 1990 and 1992, he served as Manager of Yula Farms, Kaduna. He later joined the Department of Crop Production and Protection at the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, where he taught between December 2013 and March 2016. During this time, he also served as Director of University Advancement and Linkages.
Currently, he is a Professor of Soil Physics in the Department of Soil Science and Land Resource Management at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. Prior to his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, he was the Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University. Professor Ogunwole is expected to assume office in February 2026.
Controversy Surrounding the Appointment
The recent appointment has sparked controversy, particularly after the commencement of the process to appoint a new Vice-Chancellor. A group of concerned staff members at the university petitioned the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, urging him to halt the selection process. They called on the minister to investigate the exercise and initiate a more credible process, alleging that the university’s management was rushing the selection despite public outcry over what they described as a “shady strategy” employed by the governing council’s leadership.
This situation highlights the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness in the selection of academic leaders, especially in institutions of higher learning. The concerns raised by the staff members underscore the need for accountability and public trust in the governance of educational institutions.
Conclusion
The appointment of Professor Joshua Ogunwole as the fifth Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, marks a pivotal moment in the institution’s history. While the process has been praised for its transparency and rigor, it has also brought to light the challenges and controversies that can arise in such critical appointments. As the university moves forward under new leadership, it will be essential to address these concerns and ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are prioritized.