Prof. Bayode Popoola’s appointment as AFUED substantive Vice-Chancellor based on merit – Prof. Akintunde

Prof. Bayode Popoola’s appointment as AFUED substantive Vice-Chancellor based on merit – Prof. Akintunde

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, Prof. Samuel Akintunde, has stated that the appointment of Prof. Bayode Popoola as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution, was based solely on merit, competence, and unimpeachable track record.

Prof. Akintunde made this statement on Thursday, July 3, 2025, when he led a distinguished delegation of Principal Officers from the University on a courtesy visit to Prof. Popoola at his office in the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Akintunde described the new Vice-Chancellor as a towering figure in academics, and a seasoned educationist, whose scholarly contributions have shaped the educational landscape of Nigeria. He expressed profound optimism that the emergence of Prof. Popoola would not only enrich AFUED’s academic culture, but would also reposition the institution as a beacon of excellence, and a model for other Universities nationwide.

His words: “Prof. Popoola’s appointment is a testament to a rigorous and transparent selection process. We are excited about the future, and fully prepared to work with him in fostering innovation, growth, and global relevance for AFUED.”

Responding, Prof. Bayode Popoola expressed appreciation for the visit, and commended the institution’s leadership, for conducting a fair, and merit-driven selection process. He praised the Governing Council and the management team for upholding the core values of equity, justice, and transparency.

Describing the selection process as exemplary, Prof. Popoola said: “The Management and Governing Council of Adeyemi Federal University of Education is a model of integrity by insisting on merit, without considering ethnicity, politics, or religious affiliations. We all know what usually happens during the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in other institutions.” he remarked.

Prof. Popoola described the visit as a symbol of solidarity, and mutual commitment, adding that it marks the beginning of a collaborative journey towards institutional transformation.

The don also dropped hint of his vision to promote a technologically driven administration by revealing plans to introduce a paperless system in the university’s administrative operation, stating that the initiative, aims at aligning AFUED with global educational standards.

He appealed to members of the University community, Management, Staff, and Students to support his administration’s drives for excellence, assuring that his leadership would be defined by openness, innovation, and purposeful governance.

The well attended meeting held at the Faculty of Education, OAU Ile-Ife, had in attendance scholars and administrators from within the University, including the New Vice-Chancellor, AFUED, Prof. Bayode Popoola.

Others were Principal Officers of AFUED: Prof. Samuel Akintunde, Acting Vice-Chancellor; Prof. Abayomi Olufemi Olajuyigbe, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor; Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede, Registrar; Mrs. Taiwo Adedoyin Acting Bursar; and Dr. (Mrs.) Fausat Adeola Afolabi, Acting Librarian.

Also present were Prof. (Mrs.) Theodora Olufunke Bello, Dean, Faculty of Education, OAU; Prof. Olubukola Ojo; Prof. Alaba Adediwura, Dean-Elect, Faculty of Education, OAU; Prof. Sehinde Oluwatosin, Director, Career Centre, OAU; Mrs. Oluseto Olatuyi, Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, AFUED; Mr. Oladotun Funmilayo, Deputy Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, AFUED and several other senior academics from the Faculty of Education, OAU Ile-Ife.