The Vice-Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Oyo, Prof. Olanrewaju Ademola Olaniyan, on Monday, addressed members of the press at the University’s Council Chamber, where he outlined the institution’s rapid growth, academic milestones and socio-economic contributions ahead of its main 3rd Founder’s Day celebration.
Prof. Olaniyan disclosed that EAUED has emerged as one of the fastest-growing universities in Nigeria, with student enrolment increasing from 2,726 in the 2023/2024 academic session to 3,034 in 2024/2025, and 3,860 students in the 2025/2026 session. He noted that the university has recorded a cumulative enrolment of 9,620students within three years, reflecting rising confidence in the institution.
Principal officers at the second matriculation of EAUED
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved over 50 academic programmes for the university, spread across its five faculties, while the best male and female students from each faculty are sponsored annually by philanthropists to encourage academic excellence.
University Governing Council members
He said activities marking the 3rd Founder’s Day include a Special Jumat Service and a Church Thanksgiving Service, with dignitaries such as the governor of Oyo state, Engineer Seyi Makinde and other government officials, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, traditional rulers and royal fathers expected to grace the grand finale on Tuesday 16 December, 2025.
A major highlight of the celebration, Prof. Olaniyan revealed, is the graduation of NCE holders spanning 20 years, covering graduates between 2005 and 2025. He disclosed that the institution produced a total of 47,623 NCE graduates between the 2004/2005 and 2024/2025 academic sessions, describing the exercise as a historic transition from a College of Education to a full-fledged university.
L-R: University Librarian, The Vice Chancellor, amd Registrar at the press briefing
On economic impact, the Vice-Chancellor said recent research estimated the university’s contribution to the Oyo State economy at about ₦11.2 billion, driven by housing, commerce, trade and related activities, noting that the transition to university status has significantly strengthened the local economy.
He highlighted students’ achievements in national competitions, including third position at the Oyo State Debating Competition, fifth position at the Super Bowl Competition, and second position in a public speaking contest held at Veritas University, Abuja.
Addressing staff development, Prof. Olaniyan announced that 86 lecturers were recently promoted, including 47 elevated to the professorial cadre as Associate Professors, alongside promotions for 30 junior staff and 116 senior staff members. He added that the university currently has 1,313 staff on its payroll, with several academic staff winning research grants in naira and foreign currencies.
He also noted notable appointments involving members of the university community, including Dr Babatunde Afees as Chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and Dr Aminat Ahmed as a governing board member of Technical University, Ibadan (Tech-U).
Despite the achievements, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged challenges such as funding constraints and infrastructural needs, including the construction of a Senate Building, faculty buildings, internal roads and a functional health centre, especially following the institution’s expansion from zero students in December 2023 to over 9,000 students in 2025. He disclosed that while the Oyo State Government promised a ₦1 billion take-off grant, only part has so far been received.
Prof. Olaniyan also raised concerns over student safety along the Oyo–Ogbomoso highway, where thousands of students cross daily, appealing to the Federal Ministry of Works for the construction of a pedestrian bridge. He added that achieving the project requires high-level political engagement, while assuring that the university continues to work closely with security agencies.
The VC, Professor Olanrewaju Ademola Olaniyan
He further identified internet connectivity as a critical need to support digital learning and called on well-meaning individuals and philanthropists to assist through land donations and infrastructural support. He disclosed that 114 students have enrolled into the JUPEB programme which commenced on September 4, 2025.
The Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo, was present at the press briefing, alongside other principal officers of the university, including the University Librarian, Dr Olatundun Oluwatoyin Oyewumi and Director, Inter-Community & Alumni Relations, Dr. Akanni Olurotimi Oladayo.
Prof. Olaniyan concluded by calling for the continued support, partnership and prayers of all stakeholders, as Emmanuel Alayande University of Education consolidates its position as a leading driver of educational advancement and socio-economic development in Oyo State and Nigeria.
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