The Federal Government has approved the appointment of Dr. Folorunso Rasheed Olayode as the substantive Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture (FCA), Akure, bringing to an end his tenure in an acting capacity.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Acting Registrar of the institution, Mr. K.A. Ajide, who described Dr. Olayode as an accomplished academic, administrator and animal scientist with over 30 years of service to the College.
According to the statement, Dr. Olayode has served the institution in several leadership positions, including Head of Department, Director of Consultancy Services, Dean of the School of Livestock Production and Aquaculture, Member of the College Management Committee, Member of the Academic Board, Chairman of the College Loan Committee, and Acting Provost.
The College noted that the new Provost has authored more than 45 peer reviewed scholarly publications in reputable local and international journals, contributing significantly to agricultural research, teaching, institutional development and human capacity building.
The statement further highlighted his achievements while serving as Acting Provost, saying the institution witnessed significant progress in student enrolment, staff welfare, infrastructure renewal and institutional stability.
It added that under his leadership, the College strengthened national and international collaborations, improved healthcare and student support services, restored industrial harmony, enhanced campus security and repositioned its commercial agricultural ventures to boost internally generated revenue.
Speaking on his vision for the institution, the statement said Dr. Olayode intends to position the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure as a globally recognised centre of excellence in agricultural education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and technology.
His administration, according to the statement, will focus on expanding academic programmes, securing accreditation for new courses, commercialising research outputs, driving digital transformation, improving infrastructure, strengthening international partnerships, promoting staff and student development and enhancing sustainable revenue generation.
The Management, Governing Board, staff, students, alumni and the wider College community congratulated Dr. Olayode on his confirmation as substantive Provost, expressing confidence that his leadership would further consolidate the institution’s growth and enhance its national and global standing.
