The Board of Trustees of Elizade University, acting on the recommendation of the Governing Council, has appointed Professor Philip Oguntunde as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution, effective January 1, 2026. This announcement was made through a statement by the University Registrar, Mr. Omololu Adegbenro.
Professor Oguntunde is a distinguished scholar in Ecohydrology and Water Resources Engineering, bringing a wealth of academic and administrative experience to his new role. His academic journey began with a First Class degree from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), where he later rose to the rank of Professor in 2014. Born in 1969, he holds a Ph.D in Environmental Hydrology and Water Engineering from the University of Bonn, Germany, complemented by advanced training in higher education management.
With a stellar research portfolio, Professor Oguntunde boasts over 100 publications in high-impact journals, alongside numerous books and monographs. He has supervised more than 15 Ph.D and 20 Master’s students, cementing his reputation as a leading mentor in his field. His research efforts have attracted substantial grants in naira and foreign currencies, driving capacity building, infrastructure development, and cutting-edge research.
His leadership acumen is evident through key roles he has held at FUTA, including serving two terms as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), membership of the Governing Council, and Director of the University Advancement Centre. These positions underscore his ability to foster robust local and international partnerships, pivotal to advancing academic excellence.
Professor Oguntunde is a Fellow of several prestigious professional and scientific organizations in Nigeria and abroad, reflecting his standing in the global academic community. His expertise spans hydrology, water resources, and environmental engineering, making him a valuable asset to Elizade University.
As Vice-Chancellor, he is expected to leverage his vast experience to steer Elizade University toward greater heights of academic distinction and research innovation. The appointment aligns with the institution’s strategic vision of achieving world-class status through excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.
The university community and stakeholders have expressed optimism about Professor Oguntunde’s leadership, anticipating transformative initiatives that will enhance institutional growth and global recognition. His academic pedigree, research achievements, and administrative prowess position him as a catalyst for advancing Elizade University’s mission.
Colleagues and peers describe him as a collaborative leader with a deep commitment to academic rigor and sustainable development. His appointment reflects Elizade University’s dedication to recruiting leaders who embody scholarly excellence and visionary governance.
In his new role, Professor Oguntunde has pledged to focus on strengthening research infrastructure, fostering innovation, and deepening partnerships with industry and academia globally. His tenure promises a renewed focus on positioning Elizade University as a hub of intellectual and societal impact.
The university applauds the appointment, confident that his leadership will propel it to new frontiers of excellence. The community looks forward to his inauguration and the strategic directions he will chart for the institution.
By signing off, Williams Olufunmi, Head, Public Relations, emphasized that this appointment marks a new chapter in Elizade University’s pursuit of academic distinction and sustainable growth.
