Meet the Incoming Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Gbenga Ibileye, MNAL, FLAN, FESAN

A distinguished scholar, visionary administrator, and devoted community leader, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, PhD, MNAL, FLAN, FESAN, embodies the rare combination of academic excellence and grassroots engagement. 

Born on June 7, 1966, in the vibrant Okun-Yoruba community of Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, a place that has remained central to his identity and life's work. He has maintained an unwavering connection to his roots, earning widespread recognition for his grassroots commitment to community development. 

In 2021, this dedication was formally honored when he was inducted into the Ekinrin-Adde Hall of Fame as ỌMỌ ÀTÀTÀ (Distinguished Son), a title that reflects not only his professional achievements but the deep respect and affection his community holds for him.

Professor Ibileye’s academic journey has been firmly anchored in English language studies. He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, completing his doctorate in 2002. He later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDipEd) from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). His academic specialisation is in linguistics, with emphasis on discourse analysis and pragmatics.

Professor Ibileye began his teaching career in the 1990s as a lecturer in English at ABU, Zaria, rising to the rank of Professor of English in 2010. In 2012, he joined the newly established Federal University Lokoja (FUL), where he has held several pivotal positions. These include:

• Director of General Studies

• Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies (2021–2025)

• Chairman, Strategic Planning Committee

• Head, Department of Theatre Arts (2021–2025)

As Provost of the Postgraduate College, he expanded programmes and enrolment, pioneered quality assurance initiatives, and organised the College’s first national academic conference. He also served as a member of the 2nd Governing Council under the leadership of late Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs.

On the 16th day of December, 2025, the Governing Council appointed him the 4th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, effective February 15, 2026. He emerged as the top candidate in a highly competitive process, scoring 91.9 points among eleven shortlisted candidates from 38 applications, becoming the first “homegrown” staff of the institution to attain this position.

As a prolific scholar in Applied Linguistics, Professor Ibileye’s expertise spans Discourse Analysis, Pragmatics, Legal and Forensic Linguistics, and Political/Media Discourse.