Jubilation at Federal University Lokoja as Prof. Gbenga Ibileye Emerges Vice-Chancellor
Widespread jubilation has erupted across the Federal University Lokoja community following the announcement of Professor Gbenga Ibileye as the new Vice, Chancellor of the institution.
Students and staff alike have commended the Governing Council for what they described as an uncommon display of courage, integrity, and decisiveness, applauding the process as transparent and merit driven. Many within the university community unanimously agreed that Professor Ibileye stood out as the most qualified candidate among a strong field of contenders.
Even some of the contestants, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, affirming that the selection process was free, fair, and credible.
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“Yes, I may have lost, perhaps by a very narrow margin, but I am fully convinced that the process was clean,” one source said. “None of us will contest the outcome. My greatest joy is not about losing, it is that Professor Ibileye is one of us who has invested immensely in building this institution. It is gratifying that the choice came from within.”
The source further recalled that Professor Ibileye had contested the Vice, Chancellorship five years ago alongside Professor Akinwumi, but lost at the time on technical grounds, according to available records. “We are happy for him, indeed, I am personally happy for him,” the source added.
Professor Ibileye brings to the office over three decades of distinguished teaching, research, and global scholarly engagement spanning Nigeria, Senegal, Burundi, and South Africa. He began his academic career in 1992 at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he steadily rose through the ranks to attain the rank of Professor in 2010.
In 2012, he joined the Federal University Lokoja as one of its pioneer academics, playing a central role in shaping the institution’s academic foundations. Over the years, he has held several strategic academic and leadership positions, including Member of the Governing Council, Director of General Studies, Director of Entrepreneurship Development, Head of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, and Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies.
Beyond administration and scholarship, Professor Ibileye has significantly contributed to the growth of the university through his ability to attract projects, vehicles, and intervention funds via grants and professional networks. Notably, he recently facilitated huge intervention funds to the institution through his vast networks.
A prolific scholar, Professor Ibileye has published over 70 journal articles, book chapters, and scholarly books in reputable national and international outlets. He has supervised and graduated more than thirty doctoral candidates, in addition to countless master’s degree students across Nigeria and other countries where he holds academic affiliations.
Widely regarded as accessible, liberal minded, friendly, and deeply detribalised, Professor Ibileye’s personal qualities have endeared him to staff and students alike, earning him broad respect across the university community.
His appointment is historic, as he becomes the first professor drawn from within the Federal University Lokoja to emerge as its Vice, Chancellor, a development many see as a fitting reward for dedication, institutional loyalty, and proven leadership.
(Democracy Newsline Newspaper, December 16th 2025)
