Profile of the 4th Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Solomon

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has announced the appointment of Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, MNAL, FLAN, FESAN, as its 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor, effective February 15, 2026. The appointment follows a rigorous selection process in which Prof. Ibileye emerged as the top candidate, scoring 91.9 points among eleven shortlisted candidates drawn from 38 applications.

He becomes the first “homegrown” staff member to ascend to the institution’s highest academic and administrative office.

Born on June 7, 1966, in Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Prof. Ibileye has maintained deep ties with his Okun-Yoruba community. In recognition of his dedication to grassroots development, he was inducted into the Ekinrin-Adde Hall of Fame in 2021 as ỌMỌ ÀTÀTÀ (Distinguished Son), reflecting both his professional accomplishments and the high esteem in which he is held locally.

A distinguished scholar in English Language studies, Prof. Ibileye earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, completing his doctorate in 2002. He also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). His academic focus lies in Applied Linguistics, with specialisation in Discourse Analysis, Pragmatics, Legal and Forensic Linguistics, and Political/Media Discourse.

Prof. Ibileye began his academic career in the 1990s as a lecturer at ABU, Zaria, rising to Professor of English in 2010. In 2012, he joined FUL, where he has held several key leadership positions, including Director of General Studies, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies (2021–2025). As Provost, he expanded programme offerings, increased enrolment, introduced quality assurance measures, and organised the College’s first national academic conference. He also contributed as a member of the 2nd Governing Council under the leadership of late Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs.

Throughout his career, Prof. Ibileye has been celebrated for combining academic rigor with visionary administration and community engagement, earning him recognition both within and beyond the university

The appointment of Prof. Gbenga Ibileye signals a new chapter for FUL, with expectations that his leadership will strengthen academic excellence, research innovation, and institutional growth, while fostering strong ties with local and national communities.