Sunday Saanu
Recently, the fifth substantive Vice Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole was inaugurated into office with fanfare, succeeding Prof. Abayomi Fasina whose tenure was celebrated loudly on account of his achievements. The seamless transition from Prof. Fasina to Prof Ogunwole remains a significant milestone in the history of higher education in Nigeria. This is because such an attempt had, (and it is still possible) become contentious and controversial in many universities in Nigeria, thereby paralysing academic and social activities on campus. It is therefore commendable that FUOYE conducted its affairs with admirable political maturity.
Obviously, the credit goes to the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba who incidentally is marking his 70th birthday today, Sunday 8th March, 2026. All council members should be applauded too for their commitment. All the professors who participated in the selection process equally deserve kudos for not muddling the river for their inability to realize their ambitions. There is another time. In the interest of the peace of the system, they have allowed a sleeping dog to lie. This is beautiful. This is political maturity! Other universities can borrow a leaf from this fastest-growing university located in Oye Ekiti with another campus in Ikole Ekiti.
Now that Prof. Ogunwole is gradually settling down to his onerous task of lifting the university far higher than he met it, the pertinent questions are: Who is Prof. Ogunwole? Does he have the capacity to do the job? Has he cognate experience in this regard? To answer these posers, it is necessary to peep into his profile. More so, when it is said that you will know what a man can do by what he has done. Exaggeration unintended, Prof. Ogunwole is not only qualified to drive FUOYE to the next level, he is capable of initiating a meaningful turnaround. This is because he has been tried and tested and certified to be eminently suitable to lift this university far higher than he met it. His huge intellectual savvy, uncompromising sense of justice, uncommon courage and steely grit in defence of extant rules governing the University are part of his credentials that FUOYE stands to benefit from.
When it comes to university administration, Prof. Ogunwole is not a new sailor at the sea. Do we need to remind ourselves that he was the Vice Chancellor of of Bowen University between 2018 and 2023? He did very well there. Again, prior to his current appointment, he was a Deputy Vice Chancellor in FUOYE. Prof. Ogunwole is intellectually dialogical, very conversational and discussive with his open personable mien. His is a story of decency and dignity. He analysises issues with both scientific and sociological spirits. He has a good grasps of some social anthropology which enables him to flow with all and sundry.
In my maiden meeting with him in his newly built office, he put me in stitches with his intellectual wisecracks. Taking a look at me again and again, he said, “Dr. Saanu, you look far younger on social media than in real life! But I love your suit”, I smiled. I also took a surreptitious look at him and got the impression that his naturally restrained physiognomy is much antithetical to his robust sense of humour, just as his laconic responses to some issues largely betray his reverential and deferential dispositions to people. Prof. Ogunwole remains a perfect gentleman with all the trappings and sensibilities of a cosmopolitan scholar. My brief encounter with him clearly indicated that this FUOYE VC could easily be described as a perfect-picture of geniality and civility. He has the finesse to defuse tense situations. Yet, he is firm and fair, with full knowledge on how to navigate the usually complex terrain of organizational governance to get the desired results.
Interestingly, Prof. Ogunwole remains a rare embodiment of courage, charisma and credibility. He is solution-driven in all circumstances as he is not swayed by extraneous emotionalism and parochial cant. However, judging by his inaugural address, workers in FUOYE should be getting ready for a change in attitudinal disposition to work. Here him: “As custodians of a public trust, we owe the nation, our students and the future generation nothing less than integrity, discipline and responsible stewardship. Anything short of this would amount to a betrayal of our calling and our duty. He added, “in the next five year, my administration will focus on achieving the quest for a repositioned and rebranded FUOYE that rewards character, excellence and innovation.”
Born 23rd July 1967 at Ibadan, Oyo State, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, fondly called “Coach” by colleagues and mentees hails from Ogbomoso, Oyo State. A distinguished scholar and transformative leader, he brings to the position over three decades of progressive experience in teaching, research, and community service across some of Nigeria’s foremost universities and reputable international research institutions. Renowned for his ability to inspire excellence even in the face of limited resources, Prof. Ogunwole has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership that converts constraints into opportunities, driving institutional renewal, innovation, and impactful results where others see impossibility.
He began his early education at St. Anne’s Primary Boarding School, Kakuri, Kaduna (1972–1977), proceeded to Tafawa Balewa Memorial College, Samaru-Zonkwa (1977–1982), and later attended the School of Basic Studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1983–1984). These formative years laid the foundation for his disciplined pursuit of academic excellence and his lifelong commitment to knowledge, leadership, and service.
Professor Ogunwole holds a B.Sc in Agriculture., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Soil Science from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he began his illustrious academic career. Over the years, he has served in various capacities across institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Adamawa State University (ADSU), Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Bowen University, Iwo and Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), contributing significantly to institutional growth, staff development, and student success.
At this defining moment in FUOYE’s evolution, Professor Ogunwole’s vision seeks to transform the University into a model of excellence through strategic renewal, innovation, and inclusive growth. He envisions FUOYE as a technologically driven and globally competitive institution that blends expansion with quality, guided by integrity, sustainability, and intellectual vibrancy. His blueprint prioritises the review and standardisation of the University’s physical structures; the diversification of energy sources to include solar, gas, and biomass systems; the strengthening of water and transport infrastructure; and the expansion of academic facilities through sustainable partnerships.
Saanu, PhD, is the Director, Directorate of Public Affairs and Communication (DIPAC), Federal University Oye-Ekiti.