PHOTO: Senator Ndoma-Egba and Prof. Fasina
By Toye Fisher
The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, held a valedictory session in honour of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as part of activities for the 10th Convocation Ceremonies.
The valedictory session marked the close of a transformative tenure that reshaped the institution’s academic, infrastructural and administrative landscape.
The session, held at the Council Chambers of the new ultra-modern state- of- the- art Senate Building of the university brought together principal officers of the university and other members of Council, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, University Senate and Congregation, each paying glowing tributes to a Vice-Chancellor widely described as driven, fearless, relentlessly and results-oriented.
In his valedictory address, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, described Professor Fasina as “an enigma”, noting that under his leadership, FUOYE rose from the 12th to the 4th most subscribed university in Nigeria within 3 years, a feat achieved despite internal and external challenges.
“Even in the midst of crisis, FUOYE continued to move forward in leaps and bounds,” Ndoma-Egba said, adding that “we secured accreditation for additional faculties and strengthened the university’s academic standing.”
In a light-hearted moment that drew laughter across the chamber, the Pro-Chancellor joked about the outgoing VC’s uncommon energy and work ethic, wondering aloud whether his car should be checked for energy drinks.
Beyond the humour, Ndoma-Egba struck a reflective tone, acknowledging the collective resolve of Council members, especially the external members, who stood united through turbulent times.
“We weathered storms because we stood together,” he said, assuring that the same unity and support would be extended to the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole.
He concluded with prayers for Professor Fasina and best wishes for the incoming administration, whose tenure formally begins in a few days.
Adding his voice, Professor Tajudeen Opoola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), offered prayers and words of appreciation for both the outgoing and incoming Vice-Chancellors, underscoring the importance of continuity and institutional stability.
In a heartfelt tribute, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, incoming Vice-Chancellor, revealed his long-standing relationship with Professor Fasina, spanning over two decades.
Fondly referring to him as “Fash the Bash,” Prof. Ogunwole described Fasina as assertive, unstoppable, and passionately committed to results.
“If he sets his mind on a direction, it will take a truck to stop him,” he said. “One thing you can never take away from him is his passion to achieve.”
According to Ogunwole, Professor Fasina’s physical and symbolic legacies, most notably the university’s iconic blue-roofed structures, will forever remind the FUOYE community of his leadership.
“You are leaving with your title,” he declared. “Nobody else can wear it. You are the Jagaban of FUOYE.”
He assured the outgoing VC of the enduring love and respect of the university community, noting that his achievements would continue to draw admiration beyond the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the external members, Honourable Ifeoma Ndukwu thanked God for granting Professor Fasina the rare grace of completing his tenure successfully.
“Many started but never saw the end. Serving till the end is a privilege, not a right,” she said.
While commending his achievements, Ndukwu emphasized growth and continuity, praying that the incoming Vice-Chancellor would build on the existing foundation and surpass it for the university’s advancement.
“We still need you around,” she added, appealing to Professor Fasina to continue offering counsel and guidance.
Similarly, Hajia Nafisat Aminu recalled her initial skepticism when Professor Fasina passionately described FUOYE during an early Council meeting in Abuja.
“I thought he was exaggerating,” she admitted. “But when I came to FUOYE and saw the realities on ground, I was truly impressed.”
She praised his positive energy and acknowledged that while no leader was without shortcomings, Professor Fasina’s drive remained overwhelmingly impactful.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Education, Mr. Matthews Nganjiozor described Professor Fasina as “restless because of the needs of others.”
Drawing from biblical principles, he portrayed the outgoing VC as a servant-leader who pursued what he believed was right without hesitation or retreat.
He noted that FUOYE’s growth to a population of over 60,000 students within five years remains astonishing to many outside the university system.
Other goodwill messages came from Rt. Hon. Olanike Omoworare, who praised Professor Fasina’s passion for institutional development, and Mr. Olusola Taiwo, representing the University Congregation, highlighted both achievements and enduring memories created under his leadership.
Taiwo specifically cited reforms in the Postgraduate School, where students’ population grew from 242 to over 1,000, attributing the progress to the outgoing VC’s confidence in leadership and delegation.
Representatives of the University Senate, Professor Adefemi Adekunle; Professor Bolaji Bukola; Professor Abiodun Ajiboye; alongside the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, jointly described Professor Fasina as an icon, offering prayers and goodwill for his future endeavours.
In his closing remarks, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina expressed deep appreciation to the Governing Council, University Management, and staff for their support throughout his tenure.
He urged the university community to extend the same cooperation and goodwill to the incoming Vice-Chancellor, praying for a successful and impactful administration.
As the curtains fell during the valedictory session, one message rang clear: Professor Fasina leaves behind not just projects and statistics, but a legacy of resilience, passion, and fearless leadership.
Meanwhile, the valedictory session also witnessed tree-planting exercise by members of the Governing Council as they participated in a symbolic tree-planting exercise, reinforcing the University’s commitment to sustainability and long-term institutional growth.
Each Council member planted a tree, with the species selected from economically viable varieties capable of contributing to the university’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the future.
The exercise underscored a shared vision of legacy, one rooted not only in infrastructure and policy, but in foresight and stewardship.
The session also featured the presentation of a send-forth gift to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, formally handed over by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council on behalf of the Governing Council.
The gesture served as a token of appreciation for his years of service, leadership and enduring contributions to the growth and transformation of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
