Unfurling new face of FUOYE
Former United States Secretary of state, Henry A. Kissinger makes a profound statement about the mission of a vision-driven leader, saying, “the task of a leader is to get his
- By Sunday Saanu
Former United States Secretary of state, Henry A. Kissinger makes a profound statement about the mission of a vision-driven leader, saying, "the task of a leader is to get his people from where they are to where they ought to be". Examining the same concept, a leading expert on leadership, John C. Maxwell says, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Interestingly, these are the two dominant ideas currently playing out at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE); where the new leader, the fifth substantive Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole is not only taking the university to where it ought to be, but clearly telling all those who care to listen that he knows the way, having had experience of successfully leading Bowen University for five years as a VC in the past, therefore, showing the community of scholars the way to go.
Prof. Ogunwole who assumed duties on Wednesday, 11 February, 2026 is currently unfolding what he calls "the new face of FUOYE" where, according to him, sentiments must yield to common sense, and bullying, along with every form of violence and gangsterism must bow before the altar of public interest". A man of exceptional intellectual clairvoyance; whose voice carries a strong and special resonance, has clearly begun to change the operational processes and methodologies in the institution from mundane, medieval analogue to the robust and elegant digital platform. For instance, when I thought I had made a strong case for my Directorate of Public Affairs and Communication (DIPAC), to resuscitate the daily newspapers buying, "Coach", as he is being fondly called, pointedly told me to go digital, saying "the university is going paperless in the next five years"
Sadly, for a concatenation of circumstances, FUOYE had in time past, been in the news for some wrong reasons. Prof. Ogunwole paints the picture better than I could have done. His words: "There had been reports of declining civility, erosion of decorum, manifestation of impunity, and conduct unbecoming of a scholarly community. Disturbingly, behaviours inconsistent with the values of academia; ranging from confrontational posturing and verbal aggression to open disregard for constituted authority, have at times found expression within our governance process. In some instances, individuals, and occasionally, groups operating under institutional platforms, have engaged in actions that weakened discipline, order, and respect for due process "
"Let me state clearly and unequivocally: such conducts will no longer be tolerated", Prof. Ogunwole declares, sounding modernist and progressive, just as he poises to chart a future rich in promises and possibilities. Since his assumption of office, however, he has not left anyone in doubt as to where he intends to take FUOYE. He has been initiating several measures aimed at fulfilling his vision for FUOYE, just as he has been meeting various groups and stakeholders, sharing his agenda and selling his programmes of rebuilding, rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation. In one of the meetings, hear him: "My predecessor, Prof. Sunday Abayomi Fasina was a fantastic leader. He really tried his best for this university, his achievements are not in doubt. But, we have got to build on Prof. Fasina's achievements. We have to take FUOYE far higher than we met it"
To do this, Prof. Ogunwole, a scientist with social conscience says, "FUOYE's next phase of growth requires a deliberate shift in institutional culture. Indiscipline must give way to accountability, excellence, and shared responsibility, with mindsets reoriented to ensure that staff possess the transformative outlook required to drive the university's mission. This cultural transformation underscores the need to move from slow, long-standing administrative processes to a more inclusive and decentralized structure that fosters creativity, innovation, and internationalization.
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According to the FUOYE boss, "As Vice Chancellor, my vision is to transform FUOYE into a world-class research university by leveraging the exceptional talents of our faculty members and students. As if he was putting this into practice, the VC became ecstatic when one of his students, Favour Temidara Awolana, a 400-level Law student was named one of twelve recipients of the prestigious Morehead-Cain Global Fellowship, a fellowship that recognizes exceptional student leaders from around the world.
Valued at 100,000 USD, the fellowship provides a fully funded, year-long global experience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States, encompassing academic research, internships, international travel, and mentorship from the foundation's network of over 3,500 alumni in leadership positions globally.
Prof. Ogunwole, who couldn't hide his joy, says, "We are immensely proud of Favour Awolana for achieving this remarkable milestone. This fellowship not only reflects her academic excellence and leadership potential but also highlights the quality of education, mentorship, and opportunities available at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti. We are confident that Favour will continue to shine on the global stage and bring valuable insights back to our university community.” Prof. Ogunwole, in his joyful mood, directs that the student should be celebrated across the campus with a billboard showcasing her, as a new face of FUOYE. The project is at an advanced stage. The VC believes Awolana's story will encourage other students to strive towards academic excellence.
In the same vein, while I was putting this article together in my office , I was informed that Coach had returned from an official assignment to receive FUOYE sports contingent who did the school proud at various events. The Director in his office, Mrs. Oyeyimika Koyejo-Fasakin would not take an excuse from me that I had asked one of my subordinates, Mr. Chinedu Okafor to handle the programme. She insisted that I must be there. Good that I was in attendance. Prof Ogunwole was simply mirthful and jubilant while receiving the athletes who did FUOYE proud at various sport events! He is a leader who sees his success in the success of his students. He dances and hugs them as he takes pictures with them. When he was told that one of the sport students was marking her birthday that day, he gave her a monetary gift. He is an amazing leader.
Prof. Ogunwole who seems to have a hard exterior could be regarded as a rough diamond, for it is only when you are close to him that you will realize how nice he is. He has a heart of gold and a quirky sense of humour. He is compassionate. When I told him that I have been staying in a hotel since I resumed, which had taken all my money, he smiled and said, "send me your account details". He gave me some amounts of money that could sustain me for weeks. This is the man that is rewriting a new beautiful story in FUOYE. He is a perfect picture of geniality and civility. He is quiet, but not silent, tenacious without being overbearing, accommodating, yet, not permissive. He is firm, but fair. He likes people with soaring swiftness of an eagle. Going forward, he and his teammates, including amiable and amazing Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, Deputy Vice Chancellors (Designates:) Prof. Afolabi Babatunde, Prof. Joshua Babatunde Omotosho, agile Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, University Bursar, elegant Dr. (Mrs.)Adebolanle Debo-Ajagunna, and the university Librarian, handsome Dr. Olajide Olabode will the paddling the university canoe towards a safe harbor.
While the university community waits patiently to benefit from the artistic flourish of an aesthetician, one can only pray for Prof. Ogunwole to keep enjoying the divine wisdom with which to fully fulfill his beautiful dreams for FUOYE. This university really needs to heal from the hurts of the past. Prof. Ogunwole has begun the process. At the last Senate meeting, those who had hitherto not been coming to the senate meeting enthusiastically turned up. The healing process has started. Peace has started returning. Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has promised to sheathe their swords and support the new administration. It is hoped that the university would continue to enjoy this prevailing peace for progress to endure.
•Saanu, PhD, is the Director, Public Affairs and Communication (DIPAC) Federal University Oye-Ekiti. E mail: sundaysaanu@gmail. Com
