- The Federal Government provided N1 billion to FUOYE as part of a programme to boost agriculture, food security, and mechanised farming in federal universities
- Professor Fasina highlighted FUOYE’s achievements, including 160 infrastructural projects, increased academic programmes, and a 310% rise in revenue
- Emeritus Professors were appointed to honour former leaders, while international collaborations and research grants enhanced the university’s global profile
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Fasina, has disclosed that the Federal Government is implementing a major initiative to boost agricultural production by providing special funding to federal universities, with several institutions, including FUOYE, receiving N1 billion each.
Professor Fasina disclosed on Monday while addressing journalists at a press conference organised to herald the university’s 10th convocation ceremony. He recalled that the Federal Government had earmarked a total of N30 billion for distribution among agricultural and selected federal universities to establish mechanised farming systems and livestock production facilities.
According to him, the initiative is designed to leverage the expertise of university agriculture faculties to enhance food security, increase food production, and promote modern agricultural practices nationwide.
“The idea behind giving universities N1 billion each for agriculture, infrastructure, and production is to enable them to feed their students and also support the communities around them,” the Vice-Chancellor said. He added that the programme would not only reduce food costs on campuses but also serve as a practical training platform for students.
Regarding research funding, Professor Fasina revealed that several academic staff members at the university have secured research grants totaling more than N430 million. He further disclosed that his administration had attracted more than $55,000 in funding programmes to the institution, aimed at strengthening research capacity and staff development.
Providing a breakdown of graduating students for the convocation, the Vice-Chancellor stated that of 7,396 graduates, 131 earned first-class honours and 2,519 obtained second-class upper degrees. In contrast, 3,777 graduated with second-class lower degrees.
Speaking on infrastructural development, Professor Fasina described it as a defining feature of his administration. “Under the widely acknowledged Blue Roof Legacy, the University has successfully executed over one hundred and sixty infrastructural projects across its campuses,” he said.
He noted that FUOYE recorded a 310 per cent increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), expanded its faculties from eight to 18, and increased its academic programmes from 73 to 91, all of which have either full or interim accreditation.
The Vice-Chancellor added that the institution had emerged as the fourth most-subscribed-to university in Nigeria and ranked fourth nationally in the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings. He said FUOYE also recorded impressive performances in global rankings, including the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, the World University Rankings by Subject, the Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, and the Sub-Saharan Africa Rankings.
Professor Fasina further disclosed that former Vice-Chancellors of the university aged 70 and above, including Professors Chinedu Nebo, Isaac Asuzu, and Kayode Soremekun, would be honoured with the title of Emeritus Professor in recognition of their contributions.
He explained that the Emeritus Professors policy was introduced to preserve institutional memory, honour distinguished service, and ensure continued intellectual engagement.
On international collaboration, the Vice-Chancellor spoke about the university’s Diaspora Professors Programme, which he described as a platform for distinguished scholars from around the world to contribute to teaching, research, and collaborative scholarship. He noted that notable scholars under the programme include Professor Hartmut Herrmann and Professor Khaneh Wadinga Fomba of the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Leipzig, Germany, whose engagements have strengthened FUOYE’s international research profile.
Court orders FUOYE to pay N40m to professor over unlawful dismissal
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that the National Industrial Court in Akure had directed the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State, to compensate Professor Niyi Akingbe, the former Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts, with N40 million due to wrongful dismissal.
Court documents obtained by a Vanguard Correspondent in Ilorin indicate that the judgment in suit number NICN/AK/58/2018, dated October 29, 2024, was delivered by the Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice K.D. Damulak, in the case between the claimant, Dr Oniyide Ajisafe Akingbe, and the Federal University of Ado-Ekiti.