The new Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, has pledged his commitment to purposeful and transformative leadership that will add value to the institution.
Professor Ibileye lauded“the transformative initiatives” of the President Bola Tinubu administration in Nigeria’s education sector.
Speaking at his inauguration as the fourth Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja in central Nigeria, he said; “the regulatory institutions of tertiary education, guided by the effective policy frameworks of the Tinubu administration, have strengthened the Nigerian university system with innovative and landmark development policies.’
“Regulatory institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, have improved academic standards and excellence in tertiary education under the guidance and policy thrust of the current administration,” he said.
Professor Ibileye said that the establishment of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund has increased access to tertiary education in Nigeria, especially for underprivileged students.
The Vice-Chancellor said his administration would deepen collegial governance and strengthen the committee system as the engine of decision-making, emphasising that responsibility and governance must sit close to the work in departments, faculties, and units.
Professor Ibileye urged academic and non-academic staff to be guided by trust, accountability, and clear institutional values.
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Professor Ibileye proclaimed a new vision to transform the Federal University Lokoja into a world-class institution distinguished by academic excellence, cutting-edge research, innovation, and societal impact, while nurturing globally competitive students and staff in an enabling environment defined by transparency, inclusiveness, and collaboration.
“This vision is anchored in a clear mission: to enhance academic quality and strengthen research capacity; expand infrastructural development and digital transformation; promote global partnerships, innovation, and entrepreneurship; foster inclusiveness, staff development, and student welfare; and deepen community engagement and sustainable development initiatives,” he said.
Professor Ibileye said: “Academic excellence will remain our core identity. Accreditation standards will be strengthened. Market-relevant programmes in emerging fields will be introduced thoughtfully. Interdisciplinary scholarship will be encouraged. Research visibility will be improved. Centres and hubs addressing national and regional challenges will be developed strategically.
“Digital transformation will enhance efficiency and transparency. Innovation and entrepreneurship will be institutionalised. No Vice-Chancellor succeeds alone. No administration prospers without cooperation. And no university advances where responsibility is fragmented.”
“My goal is to strengthen this University as a system, one that functions through clear processes, shared responsibility, and institutional discipline. A strong university works because its structures are sound, not because individuals are present,” he said.
Professor Ibileye also urged the Kogi State Government to take greater interest in the affairs of the university as a partner in human capital development, innovation, and regional transformation.
He expressed happiness with the friendship and support of the host community, noting that the university had benefited from their cooperation since its inception.
“It exists within a living community shaped by history, culture, and values. We recognise this, we respect it, and we are grateful for it. This administration will continue to strengthen the bond between the University and its host community through dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility for development,” he said.
“With the guidance of the Governing Council, the wisdom of the Senate, and the cooperation of the University community, supported by the goodwill of friends, the strength of my family, and the grace of God, I am confident that the Federal University Lokoja will continue to grow in stature, stability, peace, and relevance,” Professor Ibileye said, expressing hope for a renewed vision for the university.