PARTNERSHIP FOR ETHICAL GOVERNANCE COMMENDS FUOYE VC PROF OGUNWOLE REFORMS

PARTNERSHIP FOR ETHICAL GOVERNANCE COMMENDS FUOYE VC PROF OGUNWOLE REFORMS

..... LAMENTS FUNDING GAPS

....CALLS ON FG, DEVT PARTNERS, CORPORATE BODIES, ALUMNI AND PHILANTHROPISTS TO IDENTIFY WITH EMERGING UNIVERSITY'S VISION THROUGH INJECTION OF FUNDS

A coalition of civil society organizations under the banner of Partnership for Ethical Governance have commended the remarkable reforms of the federal university Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) under the leadership of Prof Joshua Ogunwole since his assumption into office in February 2026.

The group addressed newsmen at a press conference in Ado Ekiti, the state capital on Friday 7th August 2026, where it highlighted the various reforms being undertaken by the new leadership which has transformed the workings and image of the university in the last 6 months.

The group stated that it undertook an assessment tour of the institution based on the favourable reports coming out from the university lately unlike what obtained in the past. It stated that in the course of the assessment tour, it also met with critical stakeholders in the institution of learning such as the Vice Chancellor Prof Joshua Ogunwole and his management team, lecturers, Deans of faculties, HODs, teaching and non teaching staffs, union leaders and students who confirmed the breadth of fresh air in the school brought about as a result of the reforms being implemented by the new sheriff in town.

However, the Partnership for Ethical Governance lamented funding gaps as a critical impediment towards making the institution, a citadel of global academic excellence.

It then called on the federal government, development partners, philanthropists, corporate organizations, alumni bodies and all lovers of education to key into the emerging vision of the institution under the able leadership of Prof Joshua Ogunwole through funding.

See below for the press text.

7th August, 2026.

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE PARTNERSHIP FOR ETHICAL GOVERNANCE  FOLLOWING ITS ASSESSMENT TOUR OF THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OYE-EKITI (FUOYE) 

Gentlemen of the Press,

We have invited you here this morning because we believe that civil society must remain objective, balanced and principled in its assessment of public institutions. Our responsibility is not merely to criticise institutions when they fall short of public expectations, but also to acknowledge and encourage genuine progress whenever it is evident. Constructive criticism loses its moral authority if it refuses to recognise positive change when it occurs.

It is easy to amplify failure because controversy often attracts greater public attention. However, it is equally important to celebrate responsible leadership, institutional reforms and governance models that demonstrate accountability, innovation and measurable progress. That is the essence of objective civic engagement.

It was this conviction that informed the decision of the PARTNERSHIP FOR ETHICAL GOVERNANCE to undertake an independent assessment tour of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). Having previously expressed concern over developments that brought the institution into the national spotlight for the wrong reasons, we considered it equally necessary to verify the growing reports that a new direction was emerging under the present administration.

As advocates of good governance, we firmly believe that public institutions must continually be subjected to constructive scrutiny. Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine institutions but to strengthen them, encourage accountability and ensure that public resources are managed efficiently for the benefit of the Nigerian people. Where there are failures, they should be exposed; where there is measurable progress, it deserves equal recognition and encouragement.

For several years, FUOYE attracted national attention for reasons that did little to enhance its reputation. Administrative controversies, governance concerns and recurring negative publicity threatened to overshadow the tremendous potential of one of Nigeria's fastest-growing federal universities.

When reports of remarkable reforms under the leadership of the new Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, began to emerge, we considered it both responsible and necessary to undertake a fresh assessment of the institution, just as we had expressed concern when negative reports dominated public discourse. We approached this assignment with cautious optimism, conscious that institutions are ultimately judged not by promises but by verifiable evidence.

However, our observations during the assessment present a significantly different narrative, one that deserves to be shared with the Nigerian public. Following extensive interactions with the University's principal officers, members of management, academic and non-academic staff, students and other critical stakeholders, coupled with physical inspections of ongoing and completed projects across both campuses, we are convinced that FUOYE is undergoing a deliberate, systematic and measurable process of institutional renewal under the leadership of Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, who assumed office on February 11, 2026.

One recurring message resonated across virtually every engagement we held: the atmosphere within the University has changed remarkably. Members of management, staff and students consistently attested to improved administrative discipline, stronger institutional direction, greater transparency in governance and renewed confidence in the future of the University.

Particularly commendable is the administration's decision not to dwell on assigning blame for past challenges but to focus on building enduring systems capable of sustaining institutional excellence. As the Vice-Chancellor himself rightly observed, the challenges confronting FUOYE are deeper than any individual administration and are rooted in foundational institutional issues. Rather than reopening old divisions, the present leadership has chosen the more difficult but ultimately more productive path of reforming systems, strengthening governance and rebuilding confidence.

We were particularly impressed by the University's clearly articulated 8- Point Covenant with the University Community, which demonstrates an intentional commitment to institutional transformation through measurable reforms rather than mere rhetoric.

Perhaps the most significant reform is the deliberate emphasis on Cultural Transformation. Every enduring institution is ultimately shaped by its culture, and the University has correctly identified that sustainable reform must begin by changing the institutional culture that previously produced negative outcomes. Beyond changing attitudes, the administration is pursuing reforms aimed at improving the quality of its graduates, whom it rightly describes as the University's products, while simultaneously restructuring the University's governance architecture through a gradual decentralisation of administration into a collegiate model that will improve efficiency, accountability and academic excellence. This reflects a leadership that understands that strong institutions are built on systems rather than personalities.

Equally commendable is the administration's determination to position FUOYE as a globally competitive research institution. We were informed that part of the University's Internally Generated Revenue has already been dedicated to supporting research activities, while plans are underway to establish an independent energy plant capable of improving uninterrupted academic operations. Particularly impressive is the University's ongoing digital transformation, including the migration to an Artificial Intelligence-driven portal and the development of what is projected to become one of the largest education research libraries in Nigeria, providing scholars access to approximately 501 international research databases. These are bold investments in knowledge production and global academic competitiveness.

The Coalition equally commends the University's renewed commitment to community engagement. We found a leadership that clearly understands that universities must exist not merely as centres of learning but also as partners in community development. Among the initiatives presented is a mobile healthcare programme that will provide medical services to senior citizens aged seventy years and above across communities hosting the University. We also commend programmes designed to provide free preparatory classes for indigent candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions, thereby expanding access to higher education for economically disadvantaged young Nigerians. Such initiatives demonstrate that the University sees itself as an agent of social development and national progress.

Another initiative deserving commendation is the proposed Study-Work Programme, through which exceptionally hardworking students will be engaged in productive work within the University while receiving financial support. Beyond helping students meet their educational expenses, the programme is expected to promote dignity of labour, practical experience and self-reliance among beneficiaries.

We equally note with satisfaction the administration's zero-tolerance policy on extortion and other unethical practices. The declaration that no lecturer will be permitted to collect illegal payments from students, backed by Senate approval and clearly defined sanctions, sends a strong signal that integrity, accountability and fairness will remain non-negotiable under the present administration.

During our assessment, we also observed significant infrastructural developments across the campuses. Beyond physical construction, there is evidence of strategic planning aimed at expanding academic capacity, improving information technology infrastructure, strengthening research facilities and creating a more conducive learning environment.

The scale of responsibility facing the University equally deserves recognition. From an institution that commenced academic activities with fewer than 300 students and only 4 faculties, FUOYE has grown into one of Nigeria's largest federal universities, with over 60,000 regular students, approximately 16,000 students enrolled in its TOP-UP programme, which enables holders of the Higher National Diploma (HND) and other eligible qualifications to upgrade to bachelor's degrees, about 6,000 part-time students, more than 3,000 members of staff, and no fewer than 18 faculties. The University also expects approximately 22,000 students to graduate next year, a figure influenced by adjustments arising from the COVID-19 academic disruptions. Managing an institution of this magnitude inevitably presents enormous financial, administrative and infrastructural demands.

Expectedly, important challenges remain, particularly in the areas of funding, infrastructure expansion, campus security, library development, communication with an increasingly large student population and the continuous upgrading of specialised facilities, including the College of Medicine. These realities, however, should not diminish the remarkable progress already recorded; rather, they reinforce the need for stronger institutional support.

Partnership for Ethical Governance therefore calls on the Federal Government to view the ongoing transformation at FUOYE as an opportunity worthy of strategic investment. Institutional reforms of this nature require sustained support if their long-term benefits are to be fully realised. We urge the Federal Government to prioritise interventions capable of accelerating ongoing projects, particularly in the areas of infrastructure expansion, research funding, digital technology, energy development, and other specialised academic facilities. We also encourage the timely deployment of special intervention funds available for institutions expanding their medical and engineering programmes.

We equally call on corporate organisations, development partners, alumni associations, philanthropists and other well-meaning Nigerians to identify with the University's emerging vision. Sustainable institutional development is best achieved when government, civil society and the private sector work together in pursuit of excellence.

While we commend the remarkable progress already achieved, we emphasise that institutional transformation is a continuous process rather than a destination. The reforms initiated under the present administration must be deliberately protected, strengthened and institutionalised through sound governance structures and unwavering stakeholder support. The Partnership for Ethical Governance will continue to support every genuine effort that promotes accountability, transparency, innovation and institutional excellence because strong public institutions remain indispensable to Nigeria's social, economic and educational development.

Finally, we consider it necessary to caution against any attempt to frustrate or reverse the positive momentum presently being recorded within the University. Throughout our engagements, it became apparent that the present leadership's insistence on discipline, accountability and due process is gradually reshaping institutional culture. Such reforms may naturally unsettle individuals who previously benefited from weak systems or who remain uncomfortable with higher standards of responsibility. We urge every member of the University community to place the long-term interest of FUOYE above personal interests. Institutions decline when selfish interests prevail over the common good, but they flourish when every stakeholder commits to protecting reforms that advance excellence. History will ultimately remember those who built institutions, not those who attempted to undermine them.

Our assessment convinces us that FUOYE is steadily redefining its institutional identity and repositioning itself as a centre of academic excellence, innovation, responsible governance and national development. While much work remains to be done, the direction is unmistakably positive, the vision is compelling and the early indicators of progress deserve national recognition and sustained support.

Thank you for your time and kind attention.

May God bless the Federal University Oye-Ekiti. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.

Signed:

Partnership For Ethical Governance