6
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Fasina, has been presented with an Award of Excellence by the students of the Institute of Part-Time Studies (IPTS) owned by the 14-year-old university, in recognition of his remarkable leadership and huge contributions to the advancement of education.
The FUOYE Institute of Part-Time Studies established by Prof. Fasina started operation in September, 2021 with about 2,000 students which has now grown to about 7,000. The entire FUOYE student population which was 15,000 as at the time Fasina took over as VC in February 2021 has now risen to about 60,000.
A report on the award of excellence to Fasina posted on the website of FUOYE and written by Chinedu Okafor, reads:
“The leadership of the National Students Association of the Institute of Part-Time Studies (IPTS), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has presented a Recognition Award of Excellence to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Abayomi Fasina, in appreciation of his exemplary leadership and dedication to academic development.
“The presentation, which took place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Vice Chancellor’s office, coincided with Professor Fasina’s return from a six-month accumulated research leave.
“The delegation was led by the outgoing president of the institute’s student association, Comrade Omotosho Ayomide, and the newly elected president, Comrade Oladipo Afolabi.
“Speaking during the visit, Comrade Omotosho described Professor Fasina as a visionary administrator whose tenure has significantly improved academic stability and enhanced opportunities for students across all programmes of the university, including part-time studies. He said the recognition award symbolized the appreciation of IPTS students for the VC’s consistent commitment to inclusive and quality education.
“In an interview with FUOYE News after the courtesy visit, Comrade Omotosho noted that as a pioneer student of the institute, he had benefited immensely from the establishment of the part-time programme, which offered many students a second chance to gain university admission when regular admission opportunities were unavailable.
“He further stated that the programme’s structure and smooth operation had made it highly attractive to working-class students and others seeking academic advancement, adding that the stable academic calendar devoid of strike actions remained one of its biggest advantages.
“Comrade Oladipo, the current student president, also reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to maintaining academic stability and discipline, describing the FUOYE part-time programme as one of the most organized and credible in the country. He applauded the management’s efforts in ensuring uninterrupted learning schedules and conducive environments for academic success.
“Highlighting some unique features of the institute, Omotosho revealed that the certificates issued to part-time graduates do not carry any indication of ‘part-time’, a policy that protects them from discrimination or undue competition with regular students, unlike what is obtainable in some other institutions.
“However, he appealed to the university management to address some areas requiring improvement, especially the delay in the release of final-year results, which, according to him, often affects students’ plans for further studies abroad. He also urged the university management to explore possibilities for mobilizing part-time graduates for the National Youth Service Corps Scheme (NYSC) programme to ensure they enjoy equal privileges with their full-time counterparts.
“The visit concluded with warm expressions of gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his continued support to the institute, as the students pledged their loyalty to the university’s vision of fostering academic excellence through inclusivity, learning and innovation.”
Fasina, a renowned professor of soil science, astute administrator and researcher of note, has before now earned several awards, honours and recognitions from reputable organisations as a result of his outstanding performance and exceptional achievements as FUOYE VC.
Some of the many awards previously conferred on the tireless, energetic, vibrant and workaholic VC include the prestigious Independent Awards 2024 for the Best Vice Chancellor of the Year, the Integrity Icon of Nigeria Award by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO) in 2022, Best Vice Chancellor Award 2023 by Digital Stardom Global Communications, Southwest Nigeria Education Award, Outstanding Administrator Award and NANS Best Performing Vice-Chancellor in South-West Award.
Under VC Fasina’s stewardship, FUOYE has witnessed monumental growth in infrastructure, introduction of innovative academic programmes, and implementation of strategic initiatives that have enhanced the university’s standing nationally and internationally.
Through his purposeful, pragmatic and transformational leadership, he has succeeded in positioning FUOYE among the top eleven universities in Nigeria according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and the fourth most sought-after university in the country, based on ratings by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Upon returning from his six-month research leave on Tuesday, Fasina, a compassionate leader well loved by the entire university community on account of his unique leadership style, was given a grand and enthusiastic welcome.
The students, alumni members, union leaders and staff members of FUOYE were all glad to have the substantive VC back from his six-month leave to continue with his good work and deliver more developmental projects, even as he prepares for the expiration of his tenure happening in February 2026.
