FUTA Appoints Prof. Hezekiah Ayoola Pioneer Acting Dean of School of Architecture

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has appointed Professor Hezekiah Adedayo Ayoola as the pioneer Acting Dean of its newly established School of Architecture (SOA).

The appointment was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, and took effect on August 1, 2026.

Professor Ayoola is a distinguished academic, researcher and administrator whose expertise spans Architecture, Housing and Environment-Behavior Studies. Until his new appointment, he had served as Head of the Department of Architecture, FUTA, since August 1, 2023.

With 18 years of progressive experience in teaching, research and academic leadership, Professor Ayoola has established himself as a committed scholar whose work focuses on innovation, societal impact and practical relevance.

He obtained his Ph.D. in Architecture from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 2015. He also earned an M.Phil. in 2012 and an M.Arch in 2008 from the same institution, while he obtained a B.Tech (Hons) in Architecture from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, in 2004.

For his secondary education, Professor Ayoola attended Ilesa Grammar School and Obokun High School, both in Ilesa, Osun State. He had his elementary education at Fun-to International School, Ilesa, Osun State.

Professor Ayoola began his university teaching career at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, in 2009 as an Assistant Lecturer. He joined FUTA on October 4, 2011, as a Lecturer II and subsequently rose through the academic ranks to become a Professor in 2023.

His scholarly contributions include more than 60 academic publications in reputable journals and conference proceedings, giving him both national and international visibility in his field.

He has also contributed significantly to postgraduate education, having successfully supervised several Master's and Ph.D. students.

Professor Ayoola is a registered member of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) and the Association of Architectural Educators in Nigeria (AARCHES).

The Council of the Nigerian Institute of Architects recently approved his elevation to the status of Fellow.

As the pioneer Acting Dean of the School of Architecture, Professor Ayoola is expected to provide strategic leadership for the development of the newly established School and lay a strong foundation for its long-term academic excellence.

He is also expected to provide effective direction to staff and students while ensuring that the School's activities remain aligned with the vision and objectives of the Federal University of Technology, Akure.