FUOYE is Prepared to Handle Increasing Student Enrollment, Vice - Chancellor Says
In a recent interview, Professor Abayomi Fasina, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), discussed the university's successful strategies to manage a growing student population and enhance its academic standing.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In an insightful interview, Professor Abayomi Fasina, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), elaborated on the university's strategies to handle increasing student enrollment and enhance its academic reputation. Under his leadership over the past three years, FUOYE has emerged as the fourth most sought-after university in Nigeria, attributed to innovative approaches in funding, infrastructure, and academic excellence.
Addressing the persistent funding challenges faced by public universities, Fasina remarked, "The government has about 62 public universities and limited resources to adequately support them all. I believe that the government alone cannot shoulder the financial burden." He emphasized the importance of generating internal revenue to bolster the university's finances. His initiatives include establishing the Centre for Continuing Education and the FUOYE Business School, which have created income streams that support infrastructural development and faculty stipends.
Fasina also highlighted the successful academic performance of FUOYE students, noting that recent graduates have secured scholarships for doctoral programs in the United States, and several students excelled in the ICAN examinations. The university employs a hybrid teaching model, effectively blending physical and online instruction, which has proven beneficial in maintaining academic standards.
Research, a core mandate of the university, has also flourished. Under Fasina's leadership, the institution has attracted substantial research funding, including a notable grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation aimed at tackling malaria. Such achievements underscore the university's commitment to impactful research and innovation.
Evaluating his tenure, Fasina noted significant advancements in infrastructure, including the construction of over 40 new classrooms and the introduction of agricultural projects to promote food security. "We have changed the face of this university in terms of infrastructural development," he stated, affirming FUOYE's rising reputation as a leading academic institution.
Fasina has also implemented welfare programs for staff, including promotion opportunities and educational benefits for their children. He plans to promote 500 professors, reflecting a commitment to faculty development. The university has provided tuition waivers for staff children, supporting over 500 families in accessing quality education.
Looking ahead, Fasina expressed optimism for the newly inaugurated governing council, anticipating their support to further advance university initiatives. "The university operates under clear regulations, ensuring transparency and accountability," he explained, emphasizing a merit-based approach to faculty promotions and welfare packages.
As FUOYE prepares for the 2024/2025 academic session, it continues to strive for excellence, fostering an environment where both staff and students thrive. With strategic planning and innovative funding solutions, Professor Fasina aims to sustain the university's growth and maintain its status as a top educational institution in Nigeria.
