The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji has congratulated one of FUTA’s erudite scholars and a Professor of Ecohydrology and Water Resources Engineering , Philip Oguntunde on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of Elizade University (EU), Ilara Mokin effective January 1, 2026.
Professor Oladiji said ,”This appointment is a testament to the calibre of academia FUTA is endowed with. It’s on record that our university aside from building and churning out great value adding products to Nigeria and the world, is also known for providing leadership to sister higher institutions in our country. I can boldly say that FUTA has a huge number of her staff leading higher institutions in Nigeria either as Vice Chancellor, Rector, Provost, Registrar, Bursar and Librarian. This is in addition to CEOs in reputable local and global organisations.”
She added that Professor Oguntunde, who has served as a Deputy Vice Chancellor at FUTA is a right choice for EU. She said “I can boldly say that EU has made a right choice and I believe strongly that the University will witness unprecedented growth and development under the watch of Professor Oguntunde. I wish him well and pray for heavenly wisdom to discharge his duties.”
Born in 1969, Professor Oguntunde is a first class product of FUTA and holds a Ph.D degree in Environmental Hydrology and Water Engineering from the University of Bonn, Germany, alongside advanced leadership training in higher education management. He rose through the ranks at FUTA to become Professor in 2014.
With over 100 publications in high-impact journals, multiple books and monographs, and supervision of over 15 Ph.D. and 20 Master’s graduates, Professor Oguntunde is widely respected for his research depth and mentoring capacity. He has also attracted multi-million-naira and foreign currency grants, driving research, capacity building and infrastructural growth.
He has served in several strategic leadership roles, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) for two terms, Member of Governing Council, and Director, University Advancement Centre, FUTA, while facilitating strong local and international collaborations.
A Fellow of leading professional and scientific bodies in Nigeria and abroad, Professor Oguntunde’s appointment underscores Elizade University’s commitment to academic excellence, research innovation and world-class university governance.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.