PROFESSOR OYEWOLE IS FUNAAB’S NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR
Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole has been appointed the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
The appointment was approved at the 70th Statutory Meeting of the University’s Governing Council of Friday, April 20, 2012 and communicated through an official Letter of Appointment, signed by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Chief Lawrence Ayinde Olakunle Osayemi.
Handing-over the Letter of Appointment, the Pro-Chancellor said Professor Oyewole was unanimously chosen by the Governing Council from the final list of three appointable candidates, meticulously screened by the Senate/Council Selection Board.
In the Letter of Appointment, the University Council mandated the Vice-Chancellor-designate to “commence immediate understudy of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, towards a smooth handing over, on 24th May, 2012”. Oyewole, a Professor of Food Science and Technology of the University’s College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), is the institution’s Director of Grants Management and also the Project Officer, Research and Programmes, Association of African Universities (AAU). Professor Oyewole, 57, began his academic journey at Odo-Otin Grammar School, Okuku via Osogbo and later proceeded to the prestigious University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife where he bagged Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Degree in Microbiology in June 1981.
He had his Master of Science (M.Sc), Microbiology Degree, with specialization in Food Microbiology at the University of Ibadan (U.I) in November, 1984 and his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D), Microbiology and Bio-Technology in August, 1990.
Giving his acceptance remarks, the Vice-Chancellor-designate, gave God the glory over his appointment, reasoning that “nobody is elevated to position by his own power” and also expressed gratitude to the Governing Council and the out-going Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, for all they had contributed to the growth and development of the University.
He assured the entire University community and stakeholders of his preparedness to sustain the lofty heights and global ratings of the institution, saying, “I have been here for the past 27 years. I have a vision of what the University should be. I pray to God for guidance and rely on the cooperation of all to achieve on this mission”. Professor Oyewole reiterated his intention to follow the path of his immediate predecessor, promising to work very closely with Professor Balogun in the task of moving the University forward, drawing from his depth of immense wisdom.
Professor Oyewole’s appointment takes effect from May 24, 2012 and it is for a single term of five (5) years.
The Vice-Chancellor-designate has held several leadership positions within and outside the University and has to his credit,
numerous publications in reputable local and foreign journals.
He is married with children.