Photo: FOUYE VC, Prof Olalekan Ogunwole
By Chinedu Okafor
As part of efforts to intensify the university’s campaign against extortion and other unethical practices, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has provided students with direct access to him, urging them to report cases of exploitation and misconduct with credible evidence for prompt intervention and necessary action.
The Vice-Chancellor made the disclosure during a Welcome Service organised in his honour by the Chapel of Transformation (COT), where he outlined key priorities of his administration and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and student welfare across the institution.
Addressing students and staff at the event, Professor Ogunwole announced that he was making his personal contact available to them for the purpose of reporting cases of extortion, exploitation and related misconduct, stressing that reports should be accompanied by verifiable evidence.
He explained that the initiative forms part of the administration’s resolve to eliminate practices capable of undermining the University’s reputation and the academic experience of students.
The Vice-Chancellor assured students that every genuine complaint brought to his attention would receive prompt consideration, noting that while he might not personally respond to every message, necessary steps would be taken to investigate and address reported cases.
Professor Ogunwole reiterated the University’s zero-tolerance policy on extortion, describing the practice as inconsistent with the values and traditions of the university system.
According to him, the administration has already secured the backing of both Senate and Council in strengthening sanctions against any staff found guilty of exploiting students, emphasizing that the institution would continue to protect students from all forms of academic and financial victimisation.
He further cautioned students against making unofficial payments to individuals, noting that legitimate transactions within the University are processed through approved channels like REMITA and supported by appropriate documentation.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that restoring the culture of integrity within the institution remains one of the key pillars of the University’s transformation agenda, adding that ethical conduct must be upheld by both staff and students.
Professor Ogunwole also used the occasion to unveil major priorities that will drive the implementation of FUOYE’s 25-Year Strategic Plan over the next five years. These include cultural transformation, research development, entrepreneurship and sports advancement, community engagement, revenue diversification, responsive governance and enhanced student support services.
He disclosed that the administration is working towards building a world-class research environment while expanding opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and talent development among students.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted plans to strengthen the University’s relationship with its host communities through educational outreach and healthcare initiatives for citizens of the community aged 70 and above, alongside efforts to diversify internally generated revenue to support institutional growth.
Speaking on student development, Professor Ogunwole said the University would introduce programmes aimed at improving employability, including mentorship opportunities, scholarship support, career guidance and simulated job interviews.
Professor Ogunwole commended previous administrations for laying the foundation upon which the University continues to grow, while calling on staff, students and stakeholders to support the ongoing transformation efforts aimed at taking FUOYE to greater heights.
