By joshua SSANU FUL CELEBRATES VC PROF. GBENGA IBILEYE AT 60, HAILS 100 DAYS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Federal University Lokoja Branch, has felicitated with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, on his 60th birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose first 100 days in office have repositioned the university for global relevance.
Professor Ibileye, who clocked 60 today, assumed office as the 4th Substantive Vice Chancellor of FUL with a clear mandate for impact. In barely three months, his administration has recorded milestones across funding, academics, infrastructure, governance, and staff welfare that SSANU says deserve commendation.
Within his first 100 days, the Vice Chancellor secured a ₦3 billion TETFund intervention for a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Sciences, alongside TETFund Annual Intervention and ₦335 million NEEDS Assessment funding. He also attracted ₦700 million and ₦400 million TETFund special interventions for laboratories and classrooms upgrade, and ₦300 million zonal intervention support for infrastructure and academic development. A ₦3 billion Public Private Partnership for a model hotel has also been advanced.
Academically, his leadership secured full NUC accreditation for eight programmes, moved pioneer College of Health Sciences students into Basic Clinical Training, and established the Centre for Translational Humanities, the first of its kind in Africa. The Vision Plan 2026 to 2031 has been advanced to White Paper stage, while strategic committees on accreditation, security, professorial development and institutional reforms have been constituted.
SSANU specifically expressed gratitude for the Vice Chancellor’s attention to staff and student welfare. These include the ₦50 million Staff Vehicle Refurbishment Loan Scheme, distribution of 100 computers to staff across faculties, delivery of two Coaster buses for mobility, monetization of examination invigilation duties, and upgrade of sanitation and water infrastructure at Felele Permanent Campus. The establishment of the Central Examination Office, Directorate of Strategic Communication and Corporate Documentation, and the launch of FUL Voice as the university’s flagship publication have further strengthened institutional integrity and image.
The union also noted global strides recorded under his watch, including FUL’s access into the European Union Erasmus Plus Programme and strategic partnerships with Universities in Egypt, South Africa and Canada. The launch of the “Vice Chancellor for a Day” initiative for outstanding students and the securing of a permanent secondary school through NSSEC reflect his commitment to grooming the next generation.
On behalf of SSANU FUL, we celebrate a leader who combines scholarship with administrative excellence, who engages stakeholders, strengthens systems, and delivers results without noise. Your unassuming but focused style gives us confidence that Federal University Lokoja is on a steady path to greatness.
As you mark 60 years of impactful living, we pray God grants you more years in good health, wisdom, and strength to complete the good work you have started. Happy Birthday, Prof. Ibileye. SSANU stands with you, and FUL will rise under your leadership.
Signed,
Ismaila Kadiri
Chairman, SSANU FUL Branch