HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II Leads Olofa-in-Council on Courtesy Visit to University of Offa Ahead of Chancellor's Investiture, Maiden Convocation

The Chancellor of the University of Offa (UNIOFFA) and Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty Oba Mufutau Muhammad Gbadamosi Oloyede Okikiola Esuwoye II, Ajagungbade I, has led members of the Olofa-in-Council on a courtesy visit to the University ahead of his official investiture as Chancellor and the institution's maiden convocation ceremony scheduled for October 2026.

The royal delegation was received by the Founder of the University and Babalaje of Offaland, Dr. Rasaq Omoniyi Oyewale, alongside the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kazeem Alagbe Gbolagade.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Oyewale expressed appreciation to the monarch for his support, particularly his role in facilitating the University's approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

He described the monarch's intervention as crucial to the institution's establishment, recalling how the Olofa personally led efforts that resulted in the NUC's assessment visit and eventual approval of the University.

According to him, the monarch contacted him and insisted they travel to Abuja to resolve the approval process, adding that before they arrived, arrangements had already been made with the NUC.

He noted that the commission fulfilled its promise by sending an assessment team within three days, describing the monarch's support as invaluable to the University's success.

In his remarks, the Olofa of Offa reflected on his longstanding relationship with the University's founder and explained why he was determined to ensure the institution became a reality.

The monarch recalled that he frequently passed the proposed University site while travelling to his poultry farm before ascending the throne in 2010. He also praised Dr. Oyewale for his longstanding support for the palace.

He disclosed that after learning about the challenges delaying the University's approval, he immediately visited the NUC headquarters, where he pursued the matter alongside the late former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aliyu Bahago Ahman-Pategi.

According to the monarch, the NUC subsequently visited the institution for assessment, expressed satisfaction with the facilities, and the officials were accommodated at his palace during the visits.

He said he could not stand by and watch the investment of the people of Offa go to waste, adding that he was pleased the University had now reached the stage of preparing for its maiden convocation.

Oba Oloyede said the visit also provided an opportunity to familiarise himself with the institution ahead of his investiture as Chancellor.

He expressed delight over the University's reported 906.41 per cent increase in student enrolment from its pioneer intake of 78 students and prayed for continued progress.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Professor Kazeem Alagbe Gbolagade said the October ceremony would combine the University's maiden convocation with the official investiture of the Olofa of Offa as Chancellor.

He described the event as a significant milestone that would usher the institution into another phase of growth and development.

The Vice-Chancellor also presented an overview of the University's progress since its establishment in 2021, highlighting its academic expansion, available degree programmes and strategic direction.

He said the University's development agenda is anchored on:

• Financial sustainability.
• Digital transformation through an IT-driven and paperless system.
• Provision of a conducive learning environment.
• Improved staff welfare packages.
• Research-driven collaborations and industry linkages.

Professor Gbolagade also highlighted ongoing infrastructure and capital projects, including:

• Construction of a Mini Sports Complex donated by Governing Council member Mr. Suraj Oyewale (Jarus) through Jarus Homes. The facility will include a football pitch, volleyball court and tennis court.
• Construction of a modern Main Gatehouse to strengthen campus security and enhance the University's visual identity.
• Development of an 800-bed student hostel.
• Construction of a befitting Nursing Complex.
• Accelerated completion and furnishing of the University Auditorium Complex.
• Construction of additional classroom blocks.
• Proposed establishment of a Faculty of Law.

The royal delegation included:

• Ojomu of Offa, High Chief Joseph Bayo Akinola.
• Shawo of Offa, High Chief Alhaji Mikail Oloyede Mustapha Gbadamosi Abioye.
• Asalofa of Offa, High Chief Isiaka Adebayo Shittu.
• Ajia of Offa, Chief Hussein Olagunju.
• Arogun of Offa, Chief Abdulganiyu A. Lasisi.
• Elepayayin (Elepa) of Offa, Chief Rasidi Salawu.
• Sakosi of Offa, Chief Abdulgafar Abdulrahman.
• Alagure of Offa, Chief Bode Onawola.
• Asanlu of Offa, Chief James Bandipo.
• Alawe of Offa, Chief Tijani Ibrahim.
• Special Assistant on Media to the Olofa of Offa, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Babatunde Yusuf.

Other University officials present included:

• Registrar, Salaudeen Ajibola Oyewale.
• Bursar, Abiodun Saheed Popoola.
• University Librarian, Tajudeen Lateef.
• Acting Dean, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Dr. Pinheiro Oladimeji Simon.
• Sub-Dean, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Dr. Emmanuel Oyewole Lambe.
• Acting Dean, Faculty of Education, Dr. Sa'adat Abdulkadir.
• Director of Academic Planning and Institutional Research, Dr. Abdulrazak Agboola Bello.
• Admission Officer, Abdulsalam Oyewale.
• Director of Students' Affairs, Mr. Fuad Adedayo Olaogun.
• Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies, Dr. Oladeji Oluwaseun.
• Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Obalowu Mustapha.
• Head, Media and Public Relations Unit, Taofik Adekunle Jimoh.
• Other members of the University's management and staff.