The Vice Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, on Monday said the institution contributed an estimated ₦11.2 billion into the economy of Oyo town within one year, describing the university as the single largest economic driver of the ancient city.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed this while briefing journalists ahead of the university’s third Foundation Day anniversary, scheduled to climax on December 16, 2025, with the expected attendance of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade and other dignitaries.
The VC spoke in company of he Registra, is Mrs. Olubunmi Asunmo; the University Librarian, Dr. Olatundun Oluwatoyin Oyewumi, and others.
According to him, a back-of-the-envelope economic analysis conducted by the university showed that between January and November 2025, activities generated by the institution boosted the local economy through housing rentals, transportation, commerce, banking services and informal trade.
“The implication is clear. If this university had not emerged from the College of Education, the economy of Oyo town would not be what it is today. Our students, staff and institutional activities have become a major stimulus to the local economy,” he said.
Tracing the institution’s transformation, the Vice-Chancellor recalled that the former College of Education was upgraded to a University of Education on December 16, 2023, following the passage of the enabling law by the Oyo State House of Assembly and the issuance of an operational certificate by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He noted that the university effectively commenced operations in August 2023, after the appointment of principal officers, adding that aggressive academic planning and regulatory engagements had enabled the institution to secure approval for 50 academic programmes.
“In December 2023, we had zero students because we were not yet registered with JAMB. Today, in just about two years, we have admitted 9,620 students across three academic sessions, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in Nigeria,” he said.
A breakdown of admissions showed that 2,726 students were admitted in the 2023/2024 session, 3,034 in 2024/2025, and 3,860 for the 2025/2026 academic year.
The Vice-Chancellor said the Foundation Day celebration would also feature a historic convocation ceremony for 47,623 Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) graduates who completed their programmes between 2005 and 2025 but were never formally presented with certificates.
“The last convocation held here was in 2007 or 2008, and it covered graduates up to 2005. For 21 years, thousands of graduates were denied that symbolic closure. We consider it a moral and institutional debt, and we are determined to redeem it,” he explained.
He stressed that the mass convocation would mark a clean transition from the College of Education era to a full-fledged university, allowing the institution to “stop looking back and focus fully on the future.”
On staffing, the Vice-Chancellor announced that 47 academic staff were promoted to the professorial cadre, alongside 86 other lecturers, 116 senior non-academic staff and 30 junior staff during the 2023/2024 promotion exercise.
“Two years ago, we had no professors. Today, 47 of our staff have attained the professorial cadre as associate professors. This is a testament to quality scholarship and rigorous assessment,” he said.
He acknowledged funding as the institution’s biggest challenge but commended the Oyo State Government for its intervention, including a ₦1 billion takeover fund, construction of access roads, internal roads and a health centre.
However, he listed pressing needs such as a Senate building, additional faculty structures and expanded campus space to cope with rising enrolment, including the newly introduced JUPEB programme, which has already enrolled over 114 students.
The Vice Chancellor also raised concerns over student safety, calling on the Federal Government to urgently construct a pedestrian bridge on the Oyo–Ogbomoso Expressway.
“Thousands of our students cross that expressway daily. It is a major safety and welfare issue. We are appealing to the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise a pedestrian bridge in front of the university,” he said.
Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about the future of the institution, noting that staff had attracted research grants locally and internationally, while students continued to win accolades.
“Emmanuel Alayande University is regaining its stature as the heartbeat of Oyo town,” he said.
