By Tosin Olagunju PhD
My faith has been renewed and strengthened in the Lord God of Host; the God of our fathers.
At the completion of the tenure of Professor Angela Freeman Miri in 2021, hope was high within the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) community that an internal professor would be appointed to lead the institution. Naturally, many of us had Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye in mind. But God’s ways are not our ways.
In His infinite wisdom, God brought us an outsider—Professor Olayemi Akinwumi—whose administration transformed FUL from the trenches to realms of super grace. His tenure was marked by high-impact infrastructure, institutional expansion, and unprecedented visibility. Under his leadership, FUL truly became a hub of knowledge.
As Professor Akinwumi’s five-year tenure wound down, the task before the University was clear: to appoint a Vice-Chancellor who could at least match—if not surpass—his achievements. And so, the race began.
The search team was constituted. Applications poured in—38 in total. From these, 11 candidates were shortlisted. In Yorùbá, eleven is oókànlá—one that surpasses ten. Indeed, symbolism was already at play.
The interview date was fixed for Monday, 15 December 2025. Candidates arrived in their finest suits, agbádá, briefcases, and with aides in tow. The interview commenced promptly at 1:30 p.m., with candidates invited in alphabetical order. The process stretched late into the night, as the panel remained determined to conclude the exercise in the interest of national peace and institutional tranquility.
At exactly 2:25 a.m. on 16 December 2025, candidate number eight was called in. He exited the interview room at 3:19 a.m. By about 5:00 a.m., the exercise ended. We dispersed briefly, only to reconvene at 7:00 a.m., when the Governing Council met to officially announce the outcome.
Tension filled the air. Agitations mounted. Phones were clutched tightly. The single question on everyone’s lips was: “Have they announced?”
Then, recognized—at about 8:30 a.m., the announcement was made.
Behold, the one who surpassed the other ten emerged victorious:
Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, PhD, MNAL, FLAN, FESAN.
THE MAN AND HIS JOURNEY
Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye is a distinguished scholar, visionary administrator, and devoted community leader who embodies the rare fusion of academic excellence and grassroots engagement.
Born on June 7, 1966, in the vibrant Okun-Yoruba community of Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, he has remained deeply connected to his roots. His unwavering commitment to community development earned him widespread respect, culminating in his 2021 induction into the Ekinrin-Adde Hall of Fame as ỌMỌ ÀTÀTÀ (Distinguished Son)—a title reflecting both achievement and affection.
His academic journey is firmly anchored in English Language studies. He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, completing his doctorate in 2002. He later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDipEd) from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). His specialization lies in Linguistics, with emphasis on Discourse Analysis and Pragmatics.
Professor Ibileye began his teaching career at ABU in the 1990s and rose to the rank of Professor of English in 2010. In 2012, he joined the newly established Federal University Lokoja, where he has served with distinction in several critical roles:
Director, General Studies
Director, Entrepreneurship Unit
Chairman, Strategic Planning Committee
Head, Department of English and Literary Studies (2015–2017)
Head, Department of Theatre Arts (2021–2025)
Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies (2021–2025)
As Provost, he expanded postgraduate programmes and enrolment, introduced quality assurance initiatives, and organized the College’s first national academic conference. He also served as a member of the 2nd Governing Council under the leadership of the late Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs.
A DEFINING MOMENT
On 16 December 2025, the Governing Council appointed Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye as the 4th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, effective 15 February 2026.
He emerged as the top candidate in a fiercely competitive process, scoring 91.9 points among eleven shortlisted candidates, becoming the first homegrown staff of the University to attain this exalted position.
A prolific scholar in Applied Linguistics, his expertise spans Discourse Analysis, Pragmatics, Legal and Forensic Linguistics, and Political/Media Discourse.
SO, WHERE IS THE HAND OF GOD?
There were actions—and inactions—rooted in the belief that another Okun man should not succeed an Okun Vice-Chancellor. But the hand of God said No.
Let grace speak.
Let merit speak.
Let confidence speak.
Let charisma speak.
Let prudence speak.
Let quality speak.
Let accountability speak.
Let mentorship speak.
Let transparency speak.
Let staff welfare speak.
These—and more—are what Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye represents.
Little wonder the Chairman of Council affirmed after the announcement:
“I am happy with you. You won it clean.”
Later that historic evening, at exactly 8:17 p.m. on 16 December 2025, Professor Ibileye received his appointment letter from the Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Tajo Abdallah, at a ceremony anchored by the University Registrar.
In attendance were the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, external members of Council, and the University’s principal officers.
In his acceptance speech, the incoming Vice-Chancellor pledged to build on the foundations and legacies of the outgoing administration, expressing confidence that, at the end of his tenure, the Council would affirm that they made no mistake in appointing him.
He was accompanied by his consultant, Alhaji Sarafadeen; his cousin, Hon. Ade Omofaye; Dr. Tòsín Ọlágúnjú, Head, Department of Linguistics and African Languages; Mr. Jide Okewoye, Deputy Registrar (Senate Affairs); and Mr. Emmanuel Ikpelemoh of the Department of Theatre Arts.
IT IS A NEW DAWN IN FUL
Dr. Tòsín Ọlágúnjú
Head, Department of Linguistics and African Languages
Federal University Lokoja
