Photo: FUOYE VC, Prof. Ogunwole
By Otitoju Femi
The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to structured, merit-driven development, as he received members of the Faculty of Agriculture for a strategic engagement on the faculty’s progress and pressing needs.
Welcoming the delegation, the VC disclosed that the university management had already planned a visit to the faculty, describing the meeting as timely and significant.
“I want to thank you for coming. We were already planning to visit you. You are welcome,” he said.
Prof. Ogunwole emphasized the need for due process and accountability in institutional operations, particularly regarding partnerships and academic advancement. Speaking on the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) presented by the faculty, he stressed that such agreements must be functional and properly documented.
“We acknowledge your MoUs, but they must be living and active. No MoU should be signed without the knowledge of the Vice-Chancellor, as there are checks and balances in the system,” he stated.
On the faculty’s proposed academic conference, the Vice-Chancellor warned against unbudgeted expenditures, urging strict adherence to the university’s financial framework.
“Anything not included in the budget will not be executed. You must ensure your plans are properly captured in the university budget,” he cautioned.
Addressing concerns about staff promotion, Prof. Ogunwole maintained a firm stance on meritocracy, noting that academic progression must be earned through scholarly excellence.
“Promotion is not welfare; it must be earned. Nobody makes a professor, you work for it and earn it through strong recommendations,” he said.
He further announced plans to review the promotion process, discouraging reliance on internal advertisements for professorial appointments.
“The era of becoming a professor through internal advertisement alone is over. A professor must be an authority in their discipline and contribute meaningfully to policy and development,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor also condemned unethical academic practices, particularly the withholding of students’ results.
“It is unacceptable for a professor to withhold students’ results under any agreement. That is pure rascality,” he declared.
On infrastructure, Prof. Ogunwole assured the faculty of management’s readiness to address maintenance concerns, while expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of some contractors.
“We will address maintenance issues, but many of the contractors are not delivering quality work,” he noted.
Responding to the need for improved laboratory facilities, he urged the faculty to make optimal use of existing resources.
“There are equipment still in cartons in some departments. They must be installed and used. The Dean must ensure proper utilization,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also outlined new strategies to tackle security challenges across university facilities, including the farms.
“Security challenges are not limited to one campus. We are considering the deployment of trained guard dogs such as Rottweilers and German Shepherds in strategic locations,” he revealed.
Speaking on broader institutional development, Prof. Ogunwole unveiled plans to transform the Ikole campus into a more attractive hub for staff and academic activities.
“In the next two to three years, staff will be willing to work in Ikole. We plan to introduce free transportation for staff from Ado-Ekiti to Ikole and surrounding areas,” he said.
He added that the first TETFund intervention for the year would prioritize infrastructural upgrades at the campus, including the replacement of dilapidated buildings with modern structures.
Looking ahead, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed an ambitious plan to establish a large-scale fish pond in the South-West region, positioning the university for commercial and tourism opportunities.
“In the next three years, we aim to build the largest fish pond in the South-West,” he said.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the university’s ‘adoption village’ initiative to enhance community engagement.
“We are taking technology to the adoption village. This will improve our town-and-gown relationship,” he added.
Prof. Ogunwole concluded by calling for humility and a shared sense of responsibility among university leaders.
“For the next five years, there will be no room for ego. From the Vice-Chancellor to Heads of Departments, we are all servants,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, S. B. Fakayode, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for granting the faculty audience, describing the engagement as a privilege.
“It is a privilege to meet and have a discussion with our Vice-Chancellor. We will not take this for granted,” he said.
Prof. Fakayode noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to present both the faculty’s achievements and its challenges. He revealed that all previously submitted requests for resources—following encouragement from the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Abayomi Fasina—had been addressed.
“As I speak with you, sir, I am bold to say that all the requests we made have been taken care of,” he said.
He also commended the Vice-Chancellor for his support during the retirement programme and valedictory lecture of Prof. A. A. Aganga.
Highlighting recent milestones, the Dean disclosed that the faculty had successfully concluded key MoUs, particularly in staff exchange and student training programmes, and was planning to host an academic conference.
On academic performance, he noted that the faculty recorded success in its most recent accreditation exercise and expressed optimism about further improvements.
However, Prof. Fakayode raised concerns over staff welfare, including a backlog in promotions, as well as infrastructural challenges such as leaking roofs and inadequate laboratory equipment.
He also called for enhanced security measures in the university farms, infrastructural upgrades, and improved conditions for casual staff to boost productivity.
The meeting was attended by several top administrative and academic staff, including the Bursar, Dr. Bolanle Debo-Ajagunna, Prof. J.B Olasynkanmi, Prof. S.I Ogunjimi, Prof. O.G Sodipe, Prof. M.C Micpado. Others are Dr. U.C Osakwe, Dr. I.N Adebayo, Dr. J.A Adeyeye, Dr. C.N Jaiyeoba, Dr. A.B Adepeju, and the faculty Officer, Mrs. O.R Olajisade.
