UNIOFFA Appoints Olofa as Pioneer Chancellor, Plans Medical Courses Expansion

The University of Offa (UNIOFFA) has appointed the Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Mufutau Muhammad Gbadamosi Oloyede Okikiola Esuwoye II, as its pioneer Chancellor. 

The announcement was made on Tuesday, 24th March 2026, during a working visit by the university’s management to the Olofa Palace in Offa, Kwara State. 

This was contained in a statement obtained by JUST EVENT ONLINE TV signed by Head of Media Unit, Taofik Adekunle Jimoh 

The delegation was led by the Founder and Proprietor of the institution, Dr. Rasaq Omoniyi Oyewale, alongside the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kazeem Alagbe Gbolagade. 

Speaking during the visit, the Vice-Chancellor conveyed the appreciation of the university community to the monarch for his exceptional leadership, which continues to put Offa on the global map. 

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Management, Senate, Staff, and Students of the University of Offa (UNIOFFA), we are most grateful for your interest in the growth and development of UNIOFFA. May you live longer than your forefathers. Your Majesty, we are very proud of you and your numerous transforming achievements under the aegis of Offa Tuntun. These are evident in Offa, Kwara State, and by extension, in Nigeria,” said the Vice-Chancellor. 

Prof. Gbolagade also disclosed that the formal inauguration of the monarch as Chancellor would hold in October 2026 as part of the activities marking the institution’s maiden convocation ceremony. 

The Vice-Chancellor also said the university is set to receive the National Universities Commission (NUC) for resource verification of UNIOFFA's proposed medical-related courses, while providing further insights into the institution’s developmental plans. 

Prof. Gbolagade said the medical programmes include Nursing Science, Community Health, Medical Laboratory Science, and Doctor of Physiotherapy. 

The Vice-Chancellor also spoke on the existing partnership between UNIOFFA and the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, as well as the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). 

Prof. Gbolagade also spoke on other future developmental plans of the university. He ended by thanking and praying for His Royal Majesty, the Olofa of Offa. 

In his response, the Olofa of Offa expressed delight at the progress of the institution, recalling his role in facilitating its approval in 2021. 

“When I ascended the throne, I saw the proposed site for the University of Offa, and it piqued my interest and aligned with my vision for Offa Tuntun. There was a lot for me to do when I ascended the throne, but I was able to help facilitate its approval,” said the Olofa of Offa. 

Olofa added, “Since then, whenever I pass there or remember the university, I am always happy and pleased. There are students being trained and educated there, and in the nearest future, they will become foremost generals and excellent torchbearers of our society and the country.” 

His Imperial Majesty ended by praying for UNIOFFA to continue to grow from strength to strength. 

Also speaking, the Founder of the university appreciated the monarch for his support and described his appointment as well-deserved. 

The Founder ended by praying for His Royal Highness to live long. 

Other members of the university delegation included the Registrar, Mr. Salaudeen Jibola Oyewale; Dean, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Dr. Pinheiro Oladimeji Simon; Dean, Faculty of Education, Dr. Sa’adat Abdulkadir; Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies, Dr. Oluwaseun Oladeji; Director, Top-up/HND–BSc Conversion Programme, Mr. Oyewale Abdulsalam; Deputy Director of the programme, Mr. Obalowu Mustapha; Director of Student Affairs, Mr. Fuad Adedayo Olaogun; and Head of Media Unit, Taofik Adekunle Jimoh, among others.