- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole was born on July 23, 1967, in Ibadan and a native of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, a renowned soil scientist with over 30 years experience in teaching, research, and university administration. He earned his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Soil Science from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he also began his academic career.
He has served in various universities including:
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Adamawa State University
Federal University Dutsin-Ma
Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State
Federal University Oye-Ekiti
As Vice Chancellor of Bowen University (2018–2023), he led major reforms that strengthened institutional governance, improved staff and student welfare, completed key infrastructure, and stabilized university finances.
Until his recent appointment, he served as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation and Linkages) at FUOYE, where he promoted international research collaboration and innovation-driven academic development.
Professor Ogunwole is an international research fellow and has received several prestigious fellowships including:
Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
TWAS Fellowship (India/Sri Lanka)
Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (Germany)
He is a Fellow of the African Scientific Institute (ASI) and the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN), and a Council Member of the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS).
FUOYE Governing Council Appoints Professor Joshua Ogunwole as New Vice Chancellor
Editor by Editor November 6, 2025
FUOYE Governing Council Appoints Professor Joshua Ogunwole as New Vice Chancellor
The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) has announced the appointment of Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole as the institution’s fifth substantive Vice Chancellor. The announcement was made on Thursday, by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, CON, OFR, SAN, during a press briefing in Abuja.
Professor Ogunwole is expected to assume office on February 11, 2026, following the completion of the tenure of the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
Describing the selection process as rigorous, transparent, and highly competitive, Senator Ndoma-Egba revealed that 83 candidates initially applied for the position—64 submitted applications through the university’s online portal, while 19 were nominated by the Search Committee (with two nominees also submitting online).
After an initial screening, 51 candidates were disqualified for failing to fully meet the specified criteria, reducing the pool to 30. These shortlisted applicants underwent an evidence-based assessment of achievements, academic leadership, and administrative competence, with a 70% cut-off benchmark. At the end of the evaluation, three candidates emerged at the top, with Professor Ogunwole scoring the highest at 89.9%, followed by Professor Alonge Akindele Folarin in second place and Professor Ajewole Moses Oludare in third.
Senator Ndoma-Egba praised Professor Ogunwole’s academic distinction, leadership experience, and visionary approach to institutional development, stating that his emergence marks a “new chapter of innovation, excellence, and growth for FUOYE.”
“We are confident that Professor Ogunwole’s discipline, intellectual depth, and forward-thinking leadership will drive FUOYE to greater heights. His appointment reflects the Council’s commitment to merit, integrity, and academic excellence,” he said.
He also urged all stakeholders to close ranks following tensions associated with the selection process.
“The appointment of a new Vice Chancellor often comes with mixed reactions. I appeal to all stakeholders to put aside all grievances and work collectively with the new leadership to build a greater FUOYE.”
The Pro-Chancellor further commended the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Fasina, for “finishing well” and for his notable contributions, especially in infrastructural development.
Professor Ogunwole will officially assume office on February 11, 2026.
