AFUED Vice-Chancellor Says FCE Ilawe Is Fortunate to Have Dr. Smart Olugbeko as Provost

The Vice-Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, has described the appointment of Dr. Smart Odunayo Olugbeko as the substantive Provost of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti (FCEIE), as a significant milestone, stating that the institution is fortunate to have him at its helm.

Prof. Popoola made the remarks while delivering a goodwill message during the inauguration of Dr. Olugbeko as the second substantive Provost of the College. The ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the institution's temporary campus in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Congratulating the Governing Council, management, staff, and students of the College, the AFUED Vice-Chancellor described the inauguration as the beginning of a new chapter in the institution's history. He expressed confidence that Dr. Olugbeko's leadership would accelerate the College's growth, strengthen academic excellence, and position the institution for greater achievements.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, Prof. Adesola Olatunde Adepoju, described the new Provost as an accomplished educationist, respected labour leader, and administrator who has made remarkable contributions to the advancement of education in Nigeria.

Prof. Adepoju urged members of staff and students to support the new administration, expressing optimism that the College would witness remarkable progress under Dr. Olugbeko's leadership.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Smart Odunayo Olugbeko expressed gratitude to God and appreciated the Governing Council, management, staff, students, and other stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him to lead the institution.

He unveiled a vision centered on transforming the College into a globally recognized institution for teacher education by harnessing both human and material resources to improve academic standards, innovation, and institutional development.

The new Provost also disclosed plans to pursue the actualization of the College's dual-mode mandate, which will enable the institution to award degree programmes alongside its existing qualifications. According to him, the initiative will further strengthen teacher education and expand academic opportunities for students.

Dr. Olugbeko assured staff that his administration would prioritize staff welfare, professional development, academic excellence, and career progression. He pledged to maintain an open-door policy that encourages dialogue, collaboration, and inclusiveness in decision-making.

He also called on members of staff to remain dedicated to their responsibilities, emphasizing that his administration would uphold discipline and professionalism while ensuring that actions capable of hindering the College's growth would not be tolerated.

One of the major highlights of the inauguration was the formal decoration of Dr. Olugbeko with the academic gown, hood, and cap by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Adesola Olatunde Adepoju. He was assisted by the Vice-Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, and the representative of the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. J.B. Ayodele.

The colourful ceremony attracted several distinguished personalities from the education sector, including principal officers of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, past and present university administrators, deans, directors, heads of departments, labour union leaders, representatives of the Ekiti State Government, principal officers of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, members of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), and numerous staff and invited guests.

The inauguration marked the official commencement of Dr. Smart Odunayo Olugbeko's tenure as substantive Provost, with stakeholders expressing optimism that his leadership will usher in a new era of academic excellence, institutional transformation, and sustainable development at the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti.