FUOYE Marks Decade of Academic Excellence with 10th Convocation Ceremony
The Federal University Oye Ekiti celebrated a significant milestone on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as it held its 10th convocation ceremony. The event served as both a celebration of graduating students and a farewell to the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, who delivered a comprehensive account of the institution's remarkable transformation during his five-year tenure.
Outgoing Vice Chancellor Presents Legacy of Institutional Growth
Professor Fasina addressed a distinguished gathering that included government officials, academics, traditional rulers, and graduating students. He emphasized that FUOYE has experienced rapid institutional development since 2021, positioning the university among Nigeria's most sought-after higher education institutions by admission applicants nationwide.
"Our achievements are encapsulated in the 20-point agenda and transformation blueprint for FUOYE, which we have diligently implemented since I assumed office in 2021," Professor Fasina stated during his address. He attributed the university's improved visibility and steady progress in national rankings to years of focused planning and strategic execution.
Academic Expansion and Infrastructure Development
The Vice Chancellor highlighted several key achievements that have reshaped the university's academic landscape:
- Faculty expansion from eight to eighteen, representing significant growth in academic structure
- Creation of new departments and accreditation of numerous academic programmes
- Student enrollment growth from approximately 20,000 to over 60,000 students
- Implementation of the Blue Roof Revolution across Oye and Ikole campuses
Professor Fasina explained that the increased enrollment reflects growing public confidence in the institution's academic standards. The infrastructure projects, including new lecture halls and administrative blocks, have created a distinct identity for the university while addressing critical space and learning requirements.
Graduation Statistics and Historic Milestones
The 10th convocation ceremony witnessed the graduation of 7,684 students, including 131 first class degree holders. A particularly notable achievement was the graduation of FUOYE's first set of law graduates, who are expected to proceed to the Nigerian Law School in September 2026.
Professor Fasina expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Visitor to the university, for support received during his tenure. The president was represented at the event by Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.
Leadership Transition and Honorary Recognitions
During the ceremony, Professor Fasina congratulated his successor, Professor Joshua Ogunwale, describing him as "a familiar hand within the system." He expressed confidence that FUOYE would continue its upward trajectory under the new leadership, noting that Professor Ogunwale's previous role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor made him an integral part of the university's success story.
The Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, acknowledged the contributions of federal education agencies, the Ekiti State Government, and host communities to the university's development.
The convocation also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees to several distinguished Nigerians:
- Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah
- Sultan Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III
- Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II
- Oba Michael Oluwole Adugbole III
- Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen
The ceremony concluded with celebrations marking both the academic achievements of graduating students and the institutional legacy left by Professor Fasina's administration, setting a strong foundation for FUOYE's continued growth in Nigeria's competitive higher education landscape.
