Dr. Smart Olugbeko Assumes Office as 2nd Substantive Provost

The Federal College of Education (FCE), Ilawe-Ekiti, has ushered in a new era of leadership with the inauguration of Dr. Smart Odunayo Olugbeko as its second substantive Provost.

The inauguration ceremony, held on Tuesday, attracted a distinguished audience including the Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Adeshola Olatunde Adepoju; principal officers of Adeyemi Federal University of Education; the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University; former national presidents of COEASU; the South-West Chairman of COEASU; principal officers of FCE Ilawe-Ekiti; and other notable dignitaries.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Olugbeko unveiled a strategic three phase agenda stabilization, consolidation, and transformation geared towards positioning the institution as a first-class teacher-producing college. He emphasized that academic excellence, alongside staff and student welfare, would remain top priorities of his administration.

“We believe this college has immense potential and opportunities which must be harnessed to deliver the best within the education system,” he stated. “Our goal is to make this college a model for other institutions.”

Addressing what he described as an institutional anomaly, the Provost announced plans to establish three key staff unions—COEASU, NASU, and SSUCOE—within two weeks, signaling a commitment to strengthening staff representation and engagement.

Speaking directly to students, Dr. Olugbeko urged them to remain focused on their academic pursuits. He stressed that the primary purpose of their admission is to acquire knowledge and earn qualifications that will enhance their employability and quality of life.

He also pledged to foster a mutually beneficial relationship with the host community, Ilawe-Ekiti, assuring that the college would actively fulfill its social responsibilities. “FCE Ilawe is a place to send your children. In the coming years, this institution will become a reference point,” he affirmed.

Outlining his administration’s timeline, Dr. Olugbeko noted that the first two years would focus on consolidation, while the remaining two years would drive transformation. Despite the institution currently operating from a temporary site, he expressed strong determination to develop it into a world-class campus.

“We are committed to mobilizing resources and putting necessary structures in place to graduate our first set of students by October this year,” he declared, calling for collective support from stakeholders including government, the host community, staff, students, and partners.

He concluded with a call for unity and accountability, urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure the institution fulfills its mandate and earns the confidence of both government and society.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Registrar, Dr. Khadijah W. Garba, who expressed appreciation to all dignitaries and participants for their support and presence at the historic event.