CHANGE OF GUARD AT FEDERAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, AKURE

Dr. Albert Akinyemi Fadiyimu Hands Over to Acting Provost, Dr. Olayode Rasheed Folorunso
Akure, Ondo State, Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FCA Akure) today witnessed a smooth transition of leadership as Dr. Albert Akinyemi Fadiyimu formally handed over to Dr. Olayode Rasheed Folorunso, who was recently appointed as Acting Provost by the Federal Government through the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN). The ceremony which held at the College’s International Training Center drew a broad cross-section of the College community and external stakeholders.

Outgoing Provost’s Reflections: Successes, Challenges, Gratitude

In his valedictory remarks, Dr. Fadiyimu expressed gratitude to God and to the College community for the opportunity to serve. He reflected on a tenure defined by modest but meaningful progress across infrastructure, discipline, academic quality, and institutional stability.He urged his successor to uphold the College’s noble goals, sustain the momentum of reform, and confront lingering challenges with courage and fairness.
He emphasized continuity, calling on staff and students to remain committed to excellence, responsible conduct, and service to the nation through agricultural education and innovation.

Incoming Acting Provost’s Charge: Unity, Continuity, Momentum

Accepting the mantle of leadership, Dr. Olayode Rasheed Folorunso commended Dr. Fadiyimu for his doggedness, commitment, and dedication while in office. He pledged to “hit the ground running,” consolidating on achievements to date and tackling priority issues without delay. He appealed for the cooperation of all staff, students, and the labour unions, noting that inclusive leadership and shared responsibility are essential to the College’s next phase of progress.

Ceremony Highlights and Dignitaries in Attendance

The event was moderated by the College Registrar, Mr. Olufemi Owolabi, and featured goodwill messages from various stakeholders. In attendance were Mr. Kayode Aiyedogbon, representative of the Executive Secretary of ARCN; Mr. Abiodun Idowu, College Bursar; Mrs. Susan Ademilua, Acting College Librarian; and Mr. B. O. Kayode, Director of Academic Planning. Also present were the Deans of Schools, members of the College Management, Heads of Departments and Sections, members of the College Academic Board, representatives of the three labour unions (ASUP, SSAUTHURAI, and NASU), as well as representatives of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).
In his goodwill message, Mr. Kayode Aiyedogbon, who represented the Executive Secretary of the ARCN, expressed satisfaction with the level of development recorded in the College, while noting that even greater progress lies ahead. He urged the staff to extend the same spirit of cooperation and support they had shown to Dr. Fadiyimu to his successor. He further assured that the ARCN remains committed to addressing the issues of FCA Akure, alongside other Colleges of Agriculture across the country with utmost seriousness, promptness, and the desired sense of positivity.

Spotlight on Achievements under Dr. Akinyemi Fadiyimu

Infrastructure and Facilities. The College recorded visible improvements, including the construction of a new Provost’s Office, new student hostels, and additional staff office blocks, alongside renovations of older facilities, relieving long-standing accommodation and workspace pressures.

Discipline and Student Welfare. Student discipline was significantly strengthened. Hostels were reorganized and a fully staffed Student Welfare structure was instituted, creating a safer, more orderly living-learning environment.

Accreditation Restored. From an initial state in which all 16 academic programmes had lost accreditation, the College, under Dr. Fadiyimu’s leadership, worked its way back to full accreditation status. This restored the College’s standing with regulators and ensured that students continued to gain NYSC mobilization without hindrance.

Industrial Harmony. The College enjoyed a notably peaceful climate, no major disruptions, with issues resolved through dialogue and mutual respect. The period is widely regarded as the longest stretch of industrial harmony in over three decades, with uninterrupted sessions and examinations conducted as scheduled.

Institutional Defense. Confronted by land-grabber encroachment, the administration took decisive action by appealing to the Supreme Court of Nigeria against a judgment purportedly granting ownership claims over College land, an institutional safeguard aimed at protecting FCA Akure’s heritage and future growth.

Recognition by Academic Staff Union (ASUP)

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of an Award of Honour to Dr. Albert Akinyemi Fadiyimu by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), FCA Akure Chapter. The Union lauded his commitment to staff and student welfare, acknowledged his support to union activities, and pledged cooperation, together with other unions to the Acting Provost in the collective interest of the College.

The Road Ahead

With Dr. Olayode Rasheed Folorunso now at the helm in an acting capacity, the College enters a transition phase focused on continuity, consolidation, and targeted reforms pending the appointment of a substantive Provost. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the College will sustain its accreditation gains, strengthen research and teaching quality, and advance student welfare and discipline, while deepening collaboration with regulators, industry partners, and the wider agricultural sector.