The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, held a valedictory session in honour of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, as part of activities marking the university’s 10th Convocation Ceremonies.
The session formally drew the curtain on what was widely described as a transformative tenure that significantly reshaped FUOYE’s academic, infrastructural, and administrative landscape over the years.
Held at the Council Chambers of the university’s new ultra-modern, state-of-the-art Senate Building, the event brought together principal officers of the university, members of the Governing Council, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, the University Senate, and Congregation.
Speaker after speaker paid glowing tributes to Professor Fasina, describing him as driven, fearless, relentless, and results-oriented, qualities many said defined his leadership style and administrative philosophy.
Delivering his valedictory address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, described the outgoing Vice-Chancellor as “an enigma,” noting that under his leadership, FUOYE rose from the 12th to the 4th most subscribed university in Nigeria within just three years.
According to Ndoma-Egba, the feat was achieved despite significant internal and external challenges. “Even in the midst of crisis, FUOYE continued to move forward in leaps and bounds,” he said, adding that the university secured accreditation for additional faculties and strengthened its academic standing during Fasina’s tenure.
In a light-hearted moment that drew laughter across the chamber, the Pro-Chancellor joked about the outgoing Vice-Chancellor’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, particularly the external members, who stood united during turbulent times. He assured that the same unity and institutional support would be extended to the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole.
Adding his voice, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Tajudeen Opoola, offered prayers and words of appreciation for both the outgoing and incoming Vice-Chancellors, stressing the importance of continuity, stability, and shared responsibility in university governance.
In a heartfelt tribute, the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, revealed his over two-decade-long relationship with Professor Fasina, fondly referring to him as “Fash the Bash.” He described him as assertive, unstoppable, and deeply committed to achieving results.
“If he sets his mind on a direction, it will take a truck to stop him,” Ogunwole said, adding that Fasina’s physical and symbolic legacies—particularly the university’s iconic blue-roofed structures—would forever remind the FUOYE community of his leadership. “You are the Jagaban of FUOYE,” he declared.
Speaking on behalf of the external members of Council, Honourable Ifeoma Ndukwu thanked God for granting Professor Fasina the rare privilege of completing his tenure. “Many started but never saw the end. Serving till the end is a privilege, not a right,” she said, while urging the incoming administration to build on the existing foundation.
Similarly, Hajia Nafisat Aminu recalled her initial skepticism during an early Council meeting in Abuja, admitting that she later became impressed after witnessing developments on ground at FUOYE. She praised Fasina’s positive energy and acknowledged that while no leader is without shortcomings, his impact remained undeniable.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Education, Mr. Matthews Nganjiozor described the outgoing Vice-Chancellor as a servant-leader who was “restless because of the needs of others.” He noted that FUOYE’s growth to a student population of over 60,000 within five years remained astonishing within the university system.
Other goodwill messages came from Rt. Hon. Olanike Omoworare, who praised Fasina’s passion for institutional development, while Mr. Olusola Taiwo, representing the University Congregation, highlighted reforms in the Postgraduate School, where student numbers reportedly grew from 242 to over 1,000.
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 to the incoming Vice-Chancellor and prayed for a successful administration.
The valedictory session also featured a symbolic tree-planting exercise by members of the Governing Council, underscoring the university’s commitment to sustainability and long-term institutional growth. Each council member planted economically viable tree species expected to contribute to the university’s Internally Generated Revenue in the future.
The event concluded with the presentation of a send-forth gift to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, formally handed over by the Pro-Chancellor on behalf of the Governing Council, in appreciation of Professor Fasina’s years of service and enduring contributions to the growth and transformation of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
