President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Associate Professor Smart Olugbeko as the substantive Provost of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti.
Key highlights:
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the appointment of Smart Olugbeko as Provost.
- He will lead Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti for five years.
- The appointment was ratified by the college’s Governing Council.
- Olugbeko is an experienced academic and education administrator.
- The council expressed confidence in his leadership.
The appointment was ratified by the institution’s Governing Council during its 8th Regular Meeting held on June 10, 2026.
In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Dr. Khadijah Garba, described Olugbeko as an experienced academic and administrator with an extensive background in teaching, research and educational leadership.
According to the statement, the appointment is for a single tenure of five years and will take effect from the date he officially assumes office.
Garba said the appointment was made through the Governing Council on behalf of the Federal Government, expressing confidence in Olugbeko’s ability to provide effective leadership and further strengthen the institution’s reputation in teacher education.
Before his appointment, Olugbeko served as a Chief Lecturer on secondment at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Ekiadolor, Edo State. He also previously held academic appointments on sabbatical and secondment at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka.
He began his academic career at Adeyemi Federal University of Education, formerly Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, where he progressed through the ranks from Lecturer III to Chief Lecturer before attaining the position of Associate Professor.
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The Governing Council noted that Olugbeko has made notable contributions to academic research, particularly in the fields of bilingualism, language policy and conflict resolution.
Described as a prolific scholar, he has authored several peer-reviewed publications, textbooks and academic papers that have contributed to scholarship and educational development.
The statement further highlighted that the new provost has received more than 40 awards and honours from professional associations, student bodies and community organisations in recognition of his contributions to education and national development.
Olugbeko also played prominent roles within the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, where he served as President and Zonal Coordinator. During his tenure, he was involved in negotiations and policy advocacy efforts that contributed to significant reforms in the colleges of education sector, including the implementation of the dual-mandate curriculum.
The council also credited him with facilitating access to funding interventions through engagements with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and attracting grants from organisations such as UNESCO and the Universal Basic Education Commission.
In addition, Olugbeko has served as a resource person for the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the National Universities Commission, contributing to policy development and quality assurance initiatives within Nigeria’s education sector.
The Governing Council congratulated him on his appointment and pledged its support as he assumes leadership of the institution, expressing optimism that his experience and expertise will contribute to the continued growth and development of the college.
