THE new Vice Chancetior, Professor Joshua Olalekan OGUNWOLE The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) has announced the appointment of Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole as the institution’s new Vice Chancellor.
The announcement was made by the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, CON, OFR, SAN, during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Professor Ogunwole will formally assume office on February 11, 2026, following the completion of the tenure of the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina. Senator Ndoma Egba described the selection process as rigorous, competitive, and transparent, noting that it was one of the most competitive in the university’s history. According to him, a total of 83 candidates applied for the position; 64 through the online portal and 19 nominated by the Search Team, with two of the nominees also submitting online applications. Following the initial screening, 51 applicants were disqualified for failing to meet all criteria, leaving 30 candidates on the shortlist. These shortlisted applicants underwent an evidence based evaluation of their credentials and achievements, with a cut off mark of 70 percent. At the conclusion of the process, three candidates emerged as top performers with Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole scoring an outstanding 89.9 percent. Professor Alonge Akindele Folarin and Professor Ajewole Moses Oludare placed second and third place respectively.
Senator Ndoma Egba noted that Professor Ogunwole’s exceptional performance, visionary leadership, and distinguished record of excellence made him the standout candidate to lead FUOYE into its next phase of growth. “We are confident that Professor Ogunwole’s expertise, discipline, and visionary approach will drive the University’s continued growth and success,” the Pro Chancellor said.
“His appointment represents a new chapter of innovation, excellence, and integrity for FUOYE.” The Pro Chancellor, however, appealed to all stakeholders to put aside rancour and divisions that may have arisen during the selection process. “The appointment of a new Vice Chancellor has generated some tension within and outside the campus,” Senator Ndoma Egba acknowledged.
“By this appointment, all such rancour and acrimony should end. | urge all applicants and members of the University community to sheath their swords and join hands with the new Vice Chancellor to build a greater FUOYE.”
He also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, commending him for his remarkable leadership and developmental strides. “You are leaving with your head held high,” Ndoma Egba said. “You have distinguished yourself above your predecessors, particularly in the area of infrastructural development. | congratulate you for finishing well.” — Senator Ndoma Egba further thanked members of the Governing Council for their commitment, doggedness, and thoroughness throughout the selection process, expressing gratitude for their support and understanding. Born on July 23, 1967, in lbadan, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole hails from Ogbomoso, Oyo State. A renowned soil scientist with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration, he holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Soil Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he began his academic career. He has served in various institutions, including Anmadu Bello University, Adamawa State University, Federal University Dutsin Ma, Bowen University, and the Federal University Oye Ekiti, contributing immensely to academic development, capacity building, and research advancement.
As Vice Chancellor of Bowen University (2018-2023), Professor Ogunwole led major infrastructural projects, improved staff and student welfare, and achieved a financial turnaround that boosted the university’s internally generated revenue and cleared inherited deficits. Before his new appointment, he served as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation, and Linkages) at FUOYE, where he championed research collaborations and innovation driven initiatives. A recipient of international fellowships such as Fulbright (USA), TWAS (India/Sri Lanka), and Alexander von Humboldt (Germany), Professor Ogunwole is also a Fellow of the African Scientific Institute (ASI) and the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN), and a Council Member of the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS).
His tenure as FUOYE’s fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor will commence on February 11, 2026.