Federal University Lokoja appoints Professor Gbenga Ibileye as 4th vice-chancellor
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has appointed Professor Gbenga Ibileye as its 4th vice-chancellor, effective February 15, 2026.
The appointment was approved by the university’s 4th governing council, chaired by Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdallah, following a transparent, merit-based, and highly competitive selection process.
Professor Ibileye emerged as the successful candidate after an extensive interview exercise involving eleven distinguished professors. The candidates were shortlisted through rigorous screenings, interactions, and evaluations in line with established guidelines for appointing principal officers in Nigerian federal universities. Professor Ibileye scored 91.9 points, placing first among the contenders.
He will succeed Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, whose tenure has been widely recognised as one of the most impactful in the University’s history. Under Professor Akinwumi’s leadership, FUL achieved significant milestones, including consolidating academic culture, expanding academic programmes, developing infrastructure, improving staff and student welfare, and enhancing the University’s national relevance.
The governing council commended all candidates for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, due process, and excellence in governance.
As the university prepares for a new leadership phase, the council expressed confidence that Professor Ibileye will build on existing achievements and guide FUL towards greater academic excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The university community has also congratulated the visitor, chancellor, pro-chancellor, chairman of council, members of the governing council, management, staff, and students for the successful conduct of what has been described as a credible and exemplary appointment process.
