A group of over 500 former students of the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, when he was a lecturer in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Ekiti State University (EKSU), has publicly commended the VC.
The commendation followed his remarkable achievements in academia and transformative leadership, particularly during the recent 9th Convocation of FUOYE, where he received multiple prestigious awards.
Gabriel Adesoji (AngelGabby) representing the Chairman of the Prof. Fashina Ex-Students Group, expressed profound appreciation for the significant impact that Prof. Fasina had on their academic journeys.
The group boasts a diverse network of successful alumni working globally in various fields, including senior lecturers, political appointees, bankers, and agricultural consultants.
Gabriel highlighted the values and lessons imparted by Prof. Fasina, emphasizing how they have been instrumental in their personal and professional successes since graduation.
“We take great pride in our achievements, which we attribute largely to your guidance. Your unwavering commitment to education and your dedication to nurturing future leaders have truly borne fruit,” he stated.
Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatosin Helen Tope-Jegede, Head of Department, Fisheries and Aquaculture FUOYE, also added her voice in congratulating Prof. Fasina, underscoring his recent accolades: the 2024 Vice-Chancellor Award from Independent Newspapers Limited for his outstanding contributions to education, and the Award of Excellence from the CIMET Initiative.
These honours underscore his visionary leadership and the significant institutional advancements made at FUOYE, including academic progress and infrastructural development.
Under Prof. Fasina’s stewardship, FUOYE has made history by debuting in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, solidifying its status as a distinguished centre of excellence.
His strategic initiatives have secured accreditation for a variety of programs and introduced new courses tailored to the evolving job market, such as Medicine and Surgery and Data Science and Analytics.
In response to the praise, Prof. Fasina expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, attributing his leadership success to his unwavering dedication as an educator.
“I am genuinely moved by this thoughtful gesture. My work has always stemmed from a passion for nurturing the next generation, and it is incredibly rewarding to see how my efforts have positively impacted your lives,” he remarked.
He further reiterated his commitment to uplifting his students and expressed his willingness to support the Prof. Fashina Ex-Students Group in any capacity they find fitting.
Prof. Fasina acknowledged the many former students who have achieved notable success in various fields, reinforcing the lasting impact of mentorship.
“Despite the challenges we face, gestures of kindness like this reaffirm my resolve. Your successes inspire me to continue my work,” he added, indicating an ongoing collaboration with the ex-student group.
Looking ahead, Prof. Fashina’s Ex-Students Group remains dedicated to supporting both their mentor and the initiatives promoted by his office, ensuring the continued legacy of academic excellence and leadership at FUOYE.
The Vice-Chancellor assured that beyond his tenure in office, he would keep engaging with the group, emphasizing that they would be an integral part of his efforts even after his time as FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor.
The group has also called on President Tinubu to take note of the erudite Prof. Fashina, highlighting FUOYE’s unique standing among the six universities established at the same time.
FUOYE has distinguished itself as the fourth most sought-after university in Nigeria, with over 50,000 students and expanding campuses throughout Ekiti State.
“There must be something exceptional about him. After his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, we urge President Tinubu to involve him in national assignments where he can leverage his wealth of experience for the betterment of the government.” They emphasized.
With a strong foundation built on mutual respect and shared vision, the Vice-Chancellor and his former students are poised to inspire the next generation of leaders in Nigeria and beyond.
