Prof. Mufutau Olaoye Atayese Appointed Pioneer Vice Chancellor of FUADSI
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Professor Mufutau Atayese has been named the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI), a newly established federal institution in Osun State.
Prof. Atayese’s appointment is being hailed across academic and political circles as a strategic and well-deserved milestone for both his hometown and the education sector.
Prior to his appointment, Prof. Atayese served as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), where he played a pivotal role in institutional development. His tenure was marked by infrastructural expansion, increased funding for research, and meaningful partnerships with local and international stakeholders in agriculture and education.
Atayese’s leadership style, grounded in academic discipline and strategic innovation, is expected to shape the future of FUADSI, a university envisioned to drive agricultural transformation and sustainable rural development. The institution will serve as a catalyst for research, food security, job creation, and educational advancement, especially in South-West Nigeria.
To consolidate institutional relationships, the management team of FUADSI, under the leadership of Prof. Atayese, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola. The visit was designed to formally introduce the leadership of the new university and open discussions on strategic collaboration and developmental support.
During the meeting, Prof. Atayese expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his critical role in the establishment of FUADSI. He acknowledged Oyetola’s efforts in lobbying for the university’s approval and ensuring that the necessary frameworks were in place for its takeoff. “Your commitment to educational progress in Nigeria is not just commendable - it is transformative,” he said.
The Honourable Minister, in response, congratulated Prof. Atayese and commended the proactive steps taken by the university’s leadership. He emphasized the relevance of agriculture to Nigeria’s blue economy agenda and affirmed that partnerships between the university and federal ministries would be key to achieving national goals on food security, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment.
Iragbiji, the host community of FUADSI, stands to benefit immensely from the institution, which is expected to stimulate local economies, improve literacy rates, and attract development projects. Education analysts believe the university will help bridge the gap between research and practical solutions in agriculture, environmental science, and rural development.
Stakeholders across Osun State and beyond have praised the appointment of Prof. Atayese, describing it as a win for meritocracy, regional inclusion, and academic excellence. His roots in Modakeke and deep understanding of Nigeria’s agricultural needs position him as a leader capable of building a resilient and visionary institution from the ground up.
As FUADSI begins operations, expectations are high for innovation, transparency, and impactful research. Prof. Atayese is widely seen as a capable hand to lead this charge. His appointment signals a new era for federal universities, one where leadership, local relevance, and global competitiveness will shape the direction of Nigeria’s tertiary education.
