Popoola assumes duty as AFUED substantive VC, unveils comprehensive action plans.
The first substantive Vice-Chancellor, Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, has assumed duty in the institution.
Popoola a professor of Guidance and Counseling succeeded Prof. Samuel Akintunde, who administered the University in acting capacity since its elevation from College of Education.
Delivering his maiden address at his presentation before the University community on Thursday 14 August, 2025, Prof. Popoola described his appointment as “divine arrangement by God”, saying “I know that I have not been called merely to assume a position, but I have been given the mandate to lay the foundation of a University that is destined to become a centre of excellence in teacher education, research, innovation and national development ".
The new University Administrator dropped hints of plans towards the elevation of the institution to great heights stating that “in the coming weeks, we shall roll out comprehensive plans for structural reform, staff development, academic programme expansion and infrastructure renewal.”
In addition, Prof. Popoola stated that his administration would focus on seven key priorities which he listed to include curriculum innovation, Research and Innovation in teacher education, staff development and capacity building as well as welfare of staff and students. Others were infrastructure, ICT and learning environment, funding, income generation and Alumni Relations.
The Professor of Guidance and Counseling lauded members of the University Governing Council for the roles played during the selection process preceding his appointment as the first substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Institution.
His words: “let me start this address by expressing my deep heartfelt appreciation to all members of the University Governing Council for the roles they played in ensuring the success of the selection process”.
“It is commendable that the council ensured that the selection process was fair, credible and transparent, it is a demonstration of integrity and uncommon courage that our council members did not succumb to pressures but remained guided by the principle of justice and fairness throughout the various stages of the selection process”, he remarked.
The University Administrator also commended the Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, CFR, Jilo III, the good people of Ondo and Members of the Institution’s Alumni Association for their “commitment, unrelenting passion and tireless efforts in making sure that this institution became a full-fledged University.”
Assuring staff of the University of the desire of his administration to prioritize their welfare, Prof. Popoola said “We shall ensure prompt payment of staff salaries and allowances adding that “with the support of the Council and other well-meaning stakeholders, this administration will clear all outstanding financial indebtedness to staff within the shortest possible time”.
In addition, the University Administrator assured that his administration would engage in constant dialogue with staff unions “to foster mutual understanding and timely resolution of all issues affecting staff welfare”.
While soliciting for support and cooperation from staff, students and other stakeholders, Prof. Popoola said by working together, the institution would become a reference point in the training of Professional teachers, educational leaders and change-makers in Nigeria.
The well attended event which held at the Babatunde Ipaye lecture theatre in the University was graced by important dignitaries from all walks of life.
They included the Pro-chancellor/Chairman Governing Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Ganiyat Adeola Yusuf; some members of the Institution’s Governing Council: Mrs. J.N Akpa, representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja; Government Appointees: Prof. Bashir Danlami Sarkindaji and Chief (Hon) Dr. Prince N. John.
Others were representatives of Senate, Prof. Taofik Ajibade Ekundayo; Prof. Oyenike Alade Oyinloye; Prof. Tope Rufus Oziegbe as well as representative of the congregation, Dr. Oladosu Idowu Abimbola and Dr. Akinyemi Olufunminiyi Akinbobola.
Also present at the occasion were, the new Vice Chancellor’s wife, Dr. Mrs. Popoola immediate past Acting Vice-Chancellor, AFUED, Prof. Samuel Akintunde, His deputy, Prof. Olufemi Abayomi Olajuyigbe; Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede; Bursar, Mrs. Taiwo Adedoyin and Acting Librarian, Dr.(Mrs.) Adeola. F. Afolabi.
Other eminent personalities who attended the event were staff and students of the University, workers from the Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife as well as friends and relatives of Prof. Bayode Popoola.
