From Kayemo News
Out-going Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina has disclosed that the University has increased her Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by 310 percent under his watch during his five -year tenure. Prof. Fasina said this was made possible through innovative and highly creative investments in knowledge economy comprising Institute of Part-Time, Directorates and other initiatives.
His words: “Over the last few years, the Federal University Oye-Ekiti has recorded significant milestones that reflect purposeful leadership, institutional discipline, and steady growth.
First, the University achieved a remarkable 310 per cent increase in Internally Generated Revenue, strengthening financial sustainability and enhancing its capacity to support academic and infrastructural development.This financial growth has been matched by a notable expansion in student enrolment, further consolidating FUOYE’s position as a university of choice among prospective students nationwide.
” In terms of academic development, the University expanded its programme offerings significantly, growing from eight to 18 faculties and introducing eighty-four new academic programmes. This expansion reflects deliberate efforts to align teaching and learning with national development needs and global academic trends. As a result of these developments, FUOYE emerged as the fourth most subscribed university in Nigeria, out of a total of three hundred and three universities, according to
national admission statistics.
Human capital development has remained a priority. Within a five-year period, the University recorded over two hundred and four professorial promotions, a clear indication of
a vibrant academic environment that rewards scholarship, research productivity, and professional excellence.
The University’s progress has also been validated through international assessment. In the latest Times Higher Education 2026 rankings, FUOYE was ranked fourth in Nigeria, affirming its rising national stature.
*In addition, deliberate investments in carrying capacity, infrastructure, and staffing have ensured that academic expansion is supported by adequate physical facilities and qualified
personnel. With respect to global visibility, the University has continued to strengthen its ranking profile.
In 2024, FUOYE gained recognition across several prestigious Times Higher Education categories, including the Impact Rankings, World University Rankings, Interdisciplinary. Total Graduands: 7,396, First Class: 131, Second Class Upper (2:1): 2,519, Second Class Lower (2:2): 3,777, Third Class: 966, Pass: 3
Overall Best Student, Adeniyi Maryam Adedolapo ANA/2020/1006, B.Sc. Medical Science (Anatomy), CGPA: 4.89
Milestones of Stewardship.
When I assumed office as Vice-Chancellor, I came in with a clear vision and a twenty-point
agenda to reposition our University. Today, I stand before you to state that all items in the twenty-point agenda were accomplished to varying degrees, to the glory of Almighty God. Indeed, one can confidently conclude that FUOYE has undergone significant
Drive for internally generated revenue and risk-to-wealth initiatives, Expansion through increased student enrolment and growth in admissions, Sustaining the University Strategic Plan as a guide for achieving our vision,Institutional efficiency through the blockage of leakages and the elimination of waste
Establishment of an Advancement Directorate to harness alumni relations and the network of FUOYE friends
Establishment of drip irrigation fields and green revolution projects for wealth
creation through the production of high-value crops, Creation of Ventures and Consultancy Unit, Establishment of College of Medicine, Entrepreneurial vision through entrepreneurship training for all students, Establishment of an Institute of Food Security and Commercial Agriculture, Enhancing the visibility of FUOYE academic staff
one can confidently conclude that FUOYE has undergone significant
transformation. The twenty-point agenda are outlined below:
Creation of a Centre for Research, Innovation, Creativity and Grantmanship,
including the appointment of a Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships, research, Innovation and Linkages, and the appointment of Directors for Research, Innovation, Strategic Partnerships and Linkages.
Restructuring of the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology, An aggressive drive for infrastructural development, Improvement of University governance, enhancement of bursary efficiency, and
responsible spending including plans for the full computerisation of bursary
operations, Improvement of staff and student welfare, Strengthening University branding through the Media and Corporate Affairs Unit, Capacity building within the Registry and full deployment of information and
communication technology, Regular summits and retreats for planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement, Development and adoption of a Strategic Plan (2026–2030) Over the past five years, we have focused vigorously on the implementation of the twenty point agenda above. Find attached below the implementation framework and outcomes of the twenty-point agenda.
Science Rankings, and Sub-Saharan Africa Rankings. These achievements reflect growing academic maturity, increasing global visibility, and a sustained commitment to excellence.
Within the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, FUOYE ranked among twenty-six Nigerian universities, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals through research, innovation, and sustainable institutional practices. Furthermore, in its debut appearance in the Times Higher Education World University
Rankings, FUOYE ranked twelfth among twenty-one qualified Nigerian universities, out of three hundred and three universities nationwide. The University was also placed within the 1501-plus global band, signalling its growing relevance and emerging influence within the global academic community. FUOYE also recorded an impressive performance in the Times Higher Education lnterdisciplinary Science Rankings, securing seventh position nationally and ranking within
the 601 plus band worldwide. This achievement underscores the University’s growing strength in bridging disciplinary boundaries and applying research and knowledge to
address complex social and scientific challenges. Furthermore, in the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa Rankings, the Federal University Oye-Ekiti attained another significant milestone, ranking tenth among Nigerian
universities and thirty-eighth within the Sub-Saharan African region. This recognition affirms the University’s growing strength in teaching quality, regional impact, financial sustainability,
and its deliberate efforts to promote equity, inclusion, and social responsibility.
Collectively, these accolades reinforce FUOYE’s mission to provide quality education while driving societal transformation through innovative research, inclusive institutional policies,
and sustained community engagement. As we celebrate these milestones, the University remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence and unwavering in its commitment to making meaningful contributions at local, regional, and global levels.ln the same year, FUOYE also recorded commendable performance in the World Scientist
and University Rankings. In the 2024 ranking released by AD Scientific Index Limited, the University emerged nineteenth among young universities in Nigeria. Significantly, two academic staff members were listed among the top twenty per cent of scientists globally, while four others ranked within the top thirty per cent worldwide, reflecting the growing visibility and impact of FUOYE’s scholarly output.
The AD Scientific Index is internationally recognised as one of the pioneering platforms that assess both overall and recent research productivity, using globally accepted metrics such
as the h-index, i10-index, and Google Scholar citation profiles.
Beyond global rankings, FUOYE’s status as the fourth most subscribed public university in Nigeria, based on Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board application statistics, remains a
strong indicator of its rising national profile and increasing appeal among prospective students. The FUOYE Twenty-Five-Year Strategic Plan identifies this achievement as
evidence of sustained enrolment growth and growing confidence in the University’s academic offerings, institutional stability, and overall value proposition. This positive perception is closely linked to programme relevance, affordability, accessibility, and the
University’s expanding portfolio of accredited programmes, supported by its dual-campus structure.
The University also recorded another major milestone with its inclusion in the 2026 World University Rankings by Subject, released on 21 January 2026. In this latest assessment, FUOYE was ranked in two broad subject areas—Physical Sciences and Social Sciences—further reflecting its rising academic strength, improving research output, and growing global visibility. Globally, FUOYE was placed within the 1251-plus band in Physical Sciences and the 1001-
plus band in Social Sciences. Nationally, only thirteen Nigerian institutions were ranked in the Social Sciences category, with FUOYE placed in the fourth band nationwide, demonstrating strong performance among Nigerian universities offering social science programmes. In Physical Sciences, only nineteen Nigerian universities were ranked, and FUOYE also emerged in the fourth band, standing alongside renowned institutions such as the Federal University of Technology Akure, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Ibadan, the University of Benin, the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and the University of Port Harcourt. These achievements further underscore FUOYE’s steady progress in teaching quality, research impact, and academic reputation, while reaffirming its enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness.
In further strengthening its academic and professional orientation, the University established several new Colleges, notably in Medicine, Computing, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Data Science and Analytics. These Colleges are strategically positioned to address critical national needs in healthcare, digital transformation, security, and emerging technologies.
In addition, the FUOYE Business School was successfully established and has already graduated its first set of students, marking a significant step in executive education, professional development, and industry engagement.
The University also recorded substantial administrative and institutional expansion through the establishment of additional Directorates, Institutes, and specialised Units, thereby enhancing governance efficiency, research coordination, and service delivery.
This growth is clearly reflected in the University’s institutional profile between 2021 and 2026. Within this period, the number of Faculties increased from eight to eighteen, academic programmes expanded from seventy-three to ninety-one, Directorates grew from one to nineteen, Institutes increased from none to five, and Departments expanded from
sixty-seven to eighty-one. These figures demonstrate structured growth anchored on planning, accreditation, and capacity development. Importantly, ninety-one academic programmes have now been fully accredited, with interim accreditations secured for Pharmacy, Statistics, and Radiography, further affirming the University’s compliance with national academic standards.
Gentlemen of the Press, infrastructure development has remained a defining feature of this administration. Under the widely acknowledged Blue Roof Legacy, the University has successfully executed over one hundred and sixty infrastructural projects across its
campuses. These include the Senate Building, the Ndoma-Egba one-thousand-seater . Auditorium, Freedom Park, a Microfinance Bank, the Faculty of Law Building, modern science laboratory complexes, academic and social science buildings, professional buildings, and a state-of-the-art Computer-Based Test Centre.ln the area of digital transformation, the deployment of the FUOYE Integrated Digital System (FIDS) has significantly improved internet connectivity, operational efficiency, and
academic service delivery across the University. The University has also recorded impressive achievements in sports development.
FUOYE’s football team qualified for the 2024 Africa National Games, while the University’s overall sports performance earned it first position in Ekiti State, second in Nigeria, and third in Africa, reflecting the institution’s commitment to holistic student development.
In research, grants, and collaborations, FUOYE has continued to make remarkable progress. Thirty-four lecturers secured competitive research grants and equipment valued at
over four hundred and thirty million naira. Notably, Professor Emmanuel Bakare attracted a major international research grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, valued at over five hundred and thirty-four thousand dollars, focusing on data modelling and analytics.
In addition, the Office of the Vice-Chancellor attracted research equipment valued at fifty five thousand six hundred dollars, further strengthening the University’s research capacity.
Capacity building has remained a priority. Through structured training and conference support, three hundred and eighty-one academic and non-teaching staff benefited from professional development opportunities. Furthermore, one hundred and thirty academic staff
received support for advanced degrees, including PhD, Master’s, and MPhil/PhD
programmes, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of highly qualified faculty.
Also, the University institutionalised strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening academic mentorship and professional engagement through the Professors of Practice, Diaspora
Professors, and Emeritus Professors programmes. These initiatives have enriched teaching, research, and mentorship by drawing on the expertise of distinguished professionals, accomplished scholars in the diaspora, and retired senior academics whose
experience continues to add value to the University. As part of its commitment to bridging theory and practice, the University institutionalised the
Professors of Practice initiative, drawing distinguished professionals of national repute into teaching, mentoring, and academic engagement. Under this initiative, the University
appointed eminent legal and industry leaders, including Chief Wole Olanipekun, Yusuf Ali, Dr. Roland Otaru, Dr. Doyin Awoyale, Chief Sebastian Hon, and Mr. Lawrence Fubara. Their engagement has enriched professional training, strengthened industry–academia
linkages, and enhanced students’ exposure to real-world practice.
Complementing this initiative is the Diaspora Professors Programme, through which distinguished scholars from the global academic community contribute to teaching, research, and collaborative scholarship. Notable among them are Prof. Hartmut Herrmann and Prof. Khaneh Wadinga Fomba of the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Leipzig, Germany, whose engagement has strengthened international collaboration and research capacity within the University.
In further recognition of academic leadership and service, the University introduced a new Emeritus Professors policy, under which all former Vice-Chancellors, upon retirement, are to
be conferred with the title of Emeritus Professor. This policy preserves institutional memory, honours distinguished service, and ensures continued intellectual engagement. At this convocation, the University is proud to confer Emeritus Professorships on Professor Chinedu Nebo, Professor Isaac Asuzu, and Professor Kayode Soremekun.
Beyond academic expansion, the University has prioritised good governance and progressive policy reforms. Innovative initiatives such as the One-Day Vice-Chancellor Programme have promoted leadership development, inclusiveness, and administrative transparency. The University has also developed an effective postdoctoral
system, designed to strengthen advanced research, mentorship, and global competitiveness.
In fulfilment of its mandate to serve society, the University established fourteen outreach centres across Ekiti State, extending its impact beyond campus through community engagement, knowledge transfer, and developmental interventions. To secure the future of the institution, the FUOYE Strategic Plan (2026–2050) was carefully developed and formally adopted by the Governing Council. This long-term roadmap articulates the University’s vision, priorities, and pathways for sustainable growth, excellence, and global relevance. The University has also sustained a predictable academic calendar, coupled with affordable school fees, ensuring stability for students and parents alike. In addition, the digitisation of Student Union elections has strengthened transparency and democratic participation, contributing significantly to sustained campus peace.
In line with best practices in university governance, the institution successfully produced a successor through a robust, transparent, and Council-driven appointment process, further reinforcing confidence in FUOYE’s leadership succession framework.
Distinguished guests, these achievements naturally lead us to the strategic imperatives for the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, which are designed to consolidate existing gains, address
emerging challenges, and position the University for enduring excellence and global competitiveness.
Drawing from FUOYE’s remarkable growth trajectory, emerging constraints, and long-term aspirations, the
following strategic imperatives are critical to consolidating progress, addressing structural challenges, and
positioning the University for sustainable excellence and global relevance.
Strategic Imperative Rationale (Drawn from Progress & Challenges)
Strategic Focus / Expected
Outcome. Align Growth with Carrying
Capacity Student numbers and programmes are growing faster than infrastructure and staffing Sustainable expansion without loss of qualityStrengthen Academic Staffing
High workloads and staff shortages
affect teaching and research
Improved teaching quality
and research output Expand Infrastructure and Smart Learning Classrooms, labs, hostels, and no offices will become overstretched in
a short while. Better learning environment and campus safety.
Wishing you a happy day, every day!