The outgoing vice chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Fashina yesterday, 7th of February, 2026 precided over the 10th convocation ceremony of the graduating students on the main campus of the institution, marking the
end of his tenure as the 4th, substantive vice chancellor of the institution.
Speaking at the convocation ground, the outgoing vice chancellor described the 10th convocation most significant to him being the last convocation ceremony held under his administration, therefore, it marks a moment of celebration and reflection and a time to look back on the collective journey.
Professor Fashina congratulated the graduands and their guardians over the immeasurable feat attained by the graduating students, stating further that the 10th Convocation ceremony graduated the total of 7, 684 students from the various Faculties and the colleges of Federal University Oye kiti.
Speaking further, he said the graduating students comprised both undergraduate and post graduate students across all disciplines. In the break down, Fashina said one hundred and thirty one (131) will be conferred with first class degrees, 2, 519 with Second Class Upper, 3,777 Second Class Lower, 966 with Third Class and 3 with a pass degree.
The Vice Chancellor said further that, when he assumed office as Vice Chancellor, he came in with clear vision and a twenty – point agenda designed to uplift both the developmental agenda of the institution and quality administrative strategy. He noted that under his administration, he can confidently conclude that FUOYE has undergone a tremendous and significant transformation.
Fashina outlined some of the twenty point agenda as, drive for internally generated revenue and risk to wealth initiatives, expansion through increased student enrolment and growth in admissions, sustaining the University strategic plan as a guide for achieving the vision, institutional efficiency through the blockage of leakages and the elimination of waste and establishment of an advancement directorate to harness alumni relations and the network of FUOYE friends among others.
The outgoing Vice Chancellor said various achievements recorded during his tenure included, establishment of new faculties and programmes, new departments, FUOYE business school, additional academic and professional programmes, establishment of new directorates, institutes centres and units and showing faculties, programmes, directorates institutions and departments.
Fashina noted that the list of projects executed during this period is extensive, yet it remained necessary to recount them as they represented significant milestones in the university’s development.
In his speech, the Chancellor of the institution, Dr Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche commended the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s value-added educational policies. He noted that the Federal University Oye Ekiti has been growing in leaps and bounds, surpassing the initial projections in many respects and competing favourably with both new and old institutions in academics, administrative and community services.
The Chancellor congratulated the graduands and their parents whose hearts are filled with joy. He said at FUOYE, the focus has always been on producing excellent students in character and learning.
The Pro- Chancellor of the institutional, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba said, when The Federal University Oye Ekiti was established, it embarked on a journey to become a beacon of learning, innovation and service to the nation.
Ndoma stated further that ten years ago, the inaugural convocation was held and the vision of the institution was clear; to nurture future ready young minds, advance the frontiers of knowledge and contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development in alliance with the motto of the school which is, “Innovation and Character for National Transformation” and today, as they confer degrees on a new generation of graduates, it was done with pride and gratitude.
The Pro Chancellor said as a young and dynamic institution, it is faced with its own share of challenges ranging from infrastructural needs and funding limitations to the necessity to expand the academic programmes to meet global standards.
The Convocation key note lecture was delivered by Bishop Kukah, in his address he said, There are people who grumble, people who are taken to prison, people who end up as widows, and people in civil society who protest or go to court, yet everything continues as usual.
Even when over 80 or 90 per cent of votes are not fully accounted for, normalcy returns, as seen in many parts of Africa and across the world. The point is that we must understand the importance of democracy, because outside it, everything else collapses.
As Churchill said, democracy is not valued because it is the best form of government, but because it remains preferable to the alternatives. It is one of the worst forms of government, except for the others that have been tried.
Different systems have been tested—journalism, autocracy and others. We did what we had to do.
Democracy, more or less, is an equal-opportunity system of government that allows countries to thrive.
Unfortunately, in Nigeria, as in many places, democracy has arrived but attitudes have not fully changed. We are in a democratic era, yet many challenges persist.
We must develop a deep understanding of the principles that guide democracy. We find ourselves in a situation where politicians make promises of a better future that never materialise, while citizens continue to search for genuine progress.
The NUC Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, representing President Bola Tinubu said, It was a great pleasure to be part of the historic occasion marking the 10th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Ekiti. I heartily rejoice with the entire university community on this memorable milestone.
I commend the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and members of the Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor, University management, staff and students for the remarkable achievements recorded since the establishment of this university. I am informed that FUO
YE has emerged as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing universities in just over a decade. This is truly commendable and reflects the quality of leadership and management the university has enjoyed over the years.
I congratulate the Chancellor. I congratulate the graduates and our audience on the successful completion of their various programmes of study. You have been found worthy in character and learning, and the nation, your parents, guardians and teachers are proud of you. I challenge you to deploy the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired here as solid pillars upon which you will build meaningful and productive lives. Post-secondary education remains a critical driver for personal advancement and national development.
The Federal Government recognises this and is committed to ensuring equitable access to education through pragmatic funding mechanisms and realistic policies. While we are not oblivious to the challenges confronting the education sector, particularly higher education, my administration is committed to repositioning the sector for improved outcomes.
These steps include the operationalisation of the National Education Loan Fund. Through it, over 120 billion naira has been disbursed to support indigenous students in Nigerian universities, including this university. The approval of an interest-free staff loan scheme for university personnel and the successful conclusion of renegotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities have culminated in the signing of a new agreement.
The agreement provides for a 40% salary increase for academic staff, enhanced university benefits, a revamped university funding framework with dedicated provisions for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment and staff development, as well as strengthening university autonomy and academic freedom, including elected academic leadership at the levels of deans and provosts. The agreement has also paved the way for negotiations with other university-based unions, underscoring our administration’s commitment to quality education.
Furthermore, the exit of public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System has been approved by President Bola Tinubu to enhance institutional autonomy in personnel and payroll management.
While this decision presents its own challenges, I urge institutional leaders to demonstrate discipline, accountability and innovation. I also call on university-based unions to engage in deeper self-reflection and address challenges within the university system. Practices such as extortion, plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct are unacceptable. Collective action is required to preserve the integrity of our institutions.
Our universities must continually adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of the 21st century, driven largely by technological advancement. Institutions of higher learning must anticipate disruptions, embrace innovation and remain at the forefront of research, teaching and community service. Demand-driven research that addresses societal challenges and improves quality of life must remain central to the university mandate.
I commend the Federal University for sustaining academic stability and ensuring minimal disruption to the academic calendar—an achievement worthy of commendation. I am informed that the university’s enrolment figures and carrying capacity compare favourably with those of older institutions. Be assured that exceptional performance does not go unnoticed by my administration.
On security, the safety of lives and property remains a top priority of this administration. We are strengthening security architecture nationwide and enhancing collaboration with international partners, including the United States, in combating banditry, kidnapping and terrorism. These efforts are yielding positive results, and I encourage all Nigerians to support government initiatives in this regard.
I wish to congratulate the recipients of the honorary doctoral degrees at this convocation ceremony, whose lives exemplify outstanding leadership, integrity, service and commitment to national development.
The occasion was graced by prominent and important dignitaries across the country which included the representative of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, representative of the Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Chancellor representative, Pro Chancellor of the University Senator Victor Ndoma Egan, traditional rulers and other top personalities from across the country.
