Nigerians of all class who gathered at the valedictory lecture delivered by outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekit Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina have for the upteenth time, celebrated and commented his huge contributions to the growth of the institution.
The event, drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries, including members of the University Council, management staff, students, and well-wishers from within and outside the academic community.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba SAN, emphasized the importance of accountability in public office.
He noted that true achievement is reflected in leaving office at the appropriate time and commended Prof. Fasina for the orderly transition of leadership at FUOYE.
Praising the tangible transformation of the university under Fasina’s leadership, he urged the Vice-Chancellor to provide an account of his tenure and highlighted the lasting impact of his stewardship.
The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Temidayo Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, also lauded Prof. Fasina for successfully completing his tenure.
She underscored the critical importance of accountability in academic leadership, likening it to pregnancy, where the results of effort must eventually be delivered.
Prof. Oladiji further commended Fasina’s commitment to leadership grooming, strategic prioritization, and forward thinking decision-making, noting that these qualities contributed to FUOYE’s steady growth and national recognition.
In his lecture titled “FUOYE: My Stewardship”, Prof. Fasina reflected on his journey to the office of Vice-Chancellor, attributing his achievements to divine guidance and resilience.
He spoke candidly about the challenges of leadership, including moments of betrayal and obstacles that tested his resolve, emphasizing that effective leadership is rooted in courage, preparation, and faithfulness to purpose.
Prof. Fasina also provided a comprehensive review of FUOYE’s Twenty Point Agenda, which was introduced in 2021.
This strategic plan, focused on areas such as revenue generation, infrastructure development, academic expansion, research and innovation, staff and student welfare, ICT advancement, governance reforms, entrepreneurship, and the establishment of new academic and research centers, including a College of Medicine.
He noted that all components of the agenda were implemented to varying degrees, contributing to a period of remarkable institutional transformation.
During his tenure, FUOYE promoted 2,384 academic and non-teaching staff, including 80 Professors, one Professor Librarian, and 124 Readers, significantly enhancing staff morale, research output, and institutional stability.
Internally generated revenue increased by 310 percent, largely through fee-based academic programmes under the university’s Risk to Wealth initiative.
FUOYE also became the fourth most subscribed public university in Nigeria based on JAMB application data, reflecting the growing demand for its academic programs and the university’s enhanced competitiveness.
The university witnessed significant infrastructural development under Prof. Fasina’s leadership. Modern laboratories, student housing, sports facilities, and a 400 room hostel complex developed in partnership with OLOF Integrated Services were completed.
The expansion of ICT facilities also led to an improvement in FUOYE’s Webometrics ranking from 76th to 17th within two years, complemented by the training of students under the NITDA–CISCO initiative.
Staff and student welfare received considerable attention, with the introduction of subsidized transport, hostel renovations, hazard and relocation allowances, solar street lighting, insurance support for indigent students, and sponsorships for academic staff development.
Under his stewardship, FUOYE earned national and international recognition in sports, research, and leadership.
The university secured a major research grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, introduced Diaspora Professors and Professors of Practice, and received national leadership awards.
Prof. Fasina concluded his lecture by outlining the administration’s plan to implement the 25-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2050), designed to strengthen governance, research, industry partnerships, revenue diversification, and staff development, with the aim of positioning FUOYE as a socially responsive and future-ready institution.
The valedictory lecture was attended by Prof. Fasina’s family, including his wife, Dr. Abosede Fasina, their children and grandchildren, internal and external council members, university management, deans and directors, former Governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, staff, students, and well-wishers.
The programme concluded with faculties, departments, directorates, and the student body, presenting gifts to Prof. Fasina, in a heartfelt testimony to his sterling leadership.
