26th August 2025
By Peter Omopo
The Vice Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo State, Prof. Bayode Popoola, has pledged to transform the institution into a hub for teacher education, research, innovation, and national development.
Popoola, who formally assumed duty last Thursday as the university’s first substantive Vice Chancellor, made the commitment while addressing staff and students on Monday. He succeeded Prof. Samuel Akintunde, who had served in an acting capacity since the school was upgraded from a college of education to a university.
The new VC said he would soon unveil comprehensive plans covering structural reforms, academic programme expansion, staff development, and infrastructure renewal.
He highlighted key focus areas including curriculum innovation, research in teacher education, staff and student welfare, ICT, income generation, and the creation of a conducive learning environment.
“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 destined to become a centre of excellence in teacher education, research, innovation, and national development,” Popoola said.
He commended the institution’s governing council for conducting a transparent and credible selection process, noting that their fairness and integrity had set a strong precedent.
The VC called for the support and cooperation of staff, students, and stakeholders to ensure the university becomes a national reference point in the training of professional teachers, educational leaders, and change-makers.
