By Otitoju Femi and Osesusi Bukola
The Vice-Chancellor’s Valedictory and Convocation Thanksgiving Service of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) was held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba 1000 Capacity Hall.
The service, organized by the University’s Chapel of Transformation (COT), formed part of activities marking exit of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
Delivering the sermon, the Guest Minister, Rev. (Dr.) K. Ayinde, took his scriptural reading from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, verses 1–5.
He celebrated the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fasina, and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Bosede Fasina, describing the outgoing administration as impactful and purposeful.
“You started well and you are finishing strong. This is the hand of God at work,” Rev. Ayinde said, as he congratulated Prof. Fasina and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (SPRIL) and Vice-Chancellor designate, Professor Joshua Ogunwole.
Titled “Time and Seasons of Life,” the sermon emphasized the relationship between time and seasons in shaping human existence.
According to Rev. Ayinde, “Life is programmed by time and seasons, and the Scripture reminds us that there is a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to harvest.”
He, however, stressed the importance of thanksgiving, saying that gratitude should not be dependent on circumstances.
“Being alive is already enough reason to give thanks to God,” he stated, adding that “thanksgiving becomes a habit when it is practiced as a lifestyle, and thankful people enjoy peace that surpasses human understanding.”
The cleric further explained that time and seasons encourage reflection and personal evaluation.
Citing Luke 15:17, he said, “when a man reflects, restoration and mercy follow. Reflection gives room for correction,” urging worshippers to remain steadfast in every season of life.
While referencing 1 Corinthians 15:58, Dr . Ayinde assured them that “God does not forsake those who stand firm in Him.”
Special prayers were offered for Prof. Fasina and his family, seeking divine protection, renewed strength, greater opportunities, and sustained grace in his next phase of life.
As part of the service, the Council of the Chapel of Transformation presented a gift to the Vice-Chancellor in appreciation of his commitment to the work of God.
Scholarships of ₦50,000 each were also awarded to three outstanding first-class graduating students—one from the Ikole Campus and two from the Oye Campus.
Meanwhile, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, who was represented by Hon. Nike Omoworare described the event as “a moment of gratitude to God and a celebration of a visionary and purposeful leader.”
According to her, “Prof. Fasina inherited infrastructural and accreditation challenges, but he turned those challenges into opportunities—not only for physical development but also for human capacity building.”
Hon. Omoworare highlighted key achievements recorded during the tenure, including the Blue Roof projects, improved governance processes, relative peace within the university community, and staff mentorship.
She said “his leadership made the work of the Governing Council easier, and his legacy will remain commendable.”
She, however , congratulated staff, students, and graduating students, eulogising the Vice-Chancellor for “starting well and ending well.”
In his remarks, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina expressed profound gratitude to God through songs of praise, saying intermittently “I return all glory to God who sustained me throughout this journey,” while acknowledging the support of the Pro-Chancellor, who he described as “divinely sent.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Prof. Fasina noted that “despite the challenges we faced, FUOYE today stands as the fourth most subscribed university in Nigeria.”
He described his administration as “a challenging but faith- driven journey” and emphasized the importance of trusting God in leadership.
He sought forgiveness from anyone he might have offended and pledged forgiveness in return.
“Let us all avoid actions that can hinder the progress of this university,” he appealed, while calling on the university community to support the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole.
Highlighting achievements recorded during his administration, Prof. Fasina stated that “FUOYE expanded from eight to eighteen faculties, established new directorates and units, improved its internally generated revenue, and recorded significant growth in student population.”
Several graduating students also gave testimonies during the service. A Civil Engineering graduate, Comrade Ilesanmi Oluwanifemi Daniel, said, “God used the Chapel of Transformation to guide me academically, and that divine guidance reflected in my consistent academic excellence.”
Another graduate, Miss Adebola Yinka, shared an emotional testimony, recounting years of academic struggle and personal hardship. “There were moments I almost gave up, but God saw me through, and today I am graduating with first-class honours,” she said.
Professor Abayomi S. Fasina’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor began on February 11, 2021, and ends on February 10, 2026.
His administration recorded remarkable milestones, including massive infrastructural development, the creation of nine additional faculties, establishment of schools and institutes, timely promotion of staff, introduction of student scholarships, and enhanced academic research grants; achievements that remained indelible in the history of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
Other dignitaries at the service included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Tajudeen Opoola; the Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim; the Bursar, Dr. (Mrs.) Debo-Ajaguna; and the University Librarian, Dr. Olabode Olajide.
Also in attendance were members of the Governing Council, staff and students of the university, as well as guests from within and outside the FUOYE community.
SOURCE: FUOYE WEBSITE
