AFUED VC Popoola Unveils 2026 Roadmap, Pledges Consolidation, Innovation and Staff Welfare

The Vice-Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, Professor Bayode Isaiah Popoola, has outlined a comprehensive agenda aimed at consolidating recent gains and advancing the institution’s growth in 2026.

Professor Popoola disclosed the plans while addressing staff and students during the University’s 2026 New Year Prayer Meeting held on Monday, January 5, 2026. He expressed gratitude to God for the milestones recorded in 2025, both before and after his assumption of office as Vice-Chancellor.

Among the achievements highlighted were the upgrade of the institution from a College of Education to a full-fledged University, the successful processing and Senate approval of backlog results for graduating NCE and degree students, and the payment of five months’ salary arrears to newly recruited staff. He also noted the appointment of a new Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the successful completion of teaching practice, and the promotion exercise that benefitted a large number of staff.

Professor Popoola further recalled the University’s swift intervention in safeguarding the lives of 18 students heading for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, following a false online report that claimed they had died in a road accident.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism, describing the year as one of “greater achievements and possibilities.” He assured the University community that his administration would pursue an agenda anchored on progress, consolidation, innovation and people-oriented development.

According to him, priority areas include regular payment of salaries, clearance of staff indebtedness, improved staff welfare, provision of a conducive learning environment for students, and seamless processing of academic results. He also pledged to create more opportunities for academic staff to engage in groundbreaking research.

In addition, the Vice-Chancellor announced plans to complete ongoing and abandoned projects, recruit additional staff, and address the welfare concerns of adhoc personnel. He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence with the Ondo host community and revealed plans to improve the University’s webometric ranking to enhance global visibility in teaching, research and innovation. Strengthening internally generated revenue through partnerships, innovation and new academic programmes also featured prominently in the 2026 agenda.

Professor Popoola described these goals as a reflection of his administration’s determination to position AFUED as a world-class institution capable of shaping minds, driving innovation and contributing meaningfully to national development. He urged staff to embrace unity, diligence, integrity and faith in God in the discharge of their duties in the new year.

Earlier, delivering a sermon at the Christian prayer session held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium, the General Overseer of The Way of Holiness Ministry, Apostle (Dr) Oluremi Johnson Falade, spoke on the theme “2026: Year of a New Song.” He stressed the need for spiritual renewal, urging the congregation to draw closer to God, whom he described as the source of innovation and new possibilities.

Simultaneously, at the University Mosque, the Chief Imam of Ondo Kingdom, Alhaji Bashir Alimi, commended the University Management for promoting religious harmony and peaceful coexistence. He called on those in authority to exhibit good character and leadership, while encouraging staff and students to continue supporting the University’s management

Also speaking, the Chief Imam of the AFUED Mosque, Dr Ismail Odeniyi, emphasized justice and trustworthiness as pathways to divine blessings and lasting legacy, while the Chairman of the AFUED Muslim Community, Professor Rasheed Oloyede, reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peace and cooperation with the University authorities.

Responding, Professor Popoola thanked the Muslim community and religious leaders for their support, assuring them of the administration’s continued commitment to programmes that would further elevate the University.

The dual prayer sessions featured Bible readings, Qur’anic recitations and prayers for the University Management, staff, students and the successful implementation of programmes slated for 2026. Dignitaries in attendance included principal officers of the University, deans, directors, heads of departments and units, as well as staff and students from across the institution.