The University of Fortune Board of Trustees has approved the recommendation of the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council on the appointment of the Acting Vice Chancellor, and accordingly appoint Professor Ayo Olajuyigbe as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Fortune effective immediately.
Dr Jimoh Ibrahim CFR PhD* (cantab) has also congratulated Professor Olajuyigbe on the appointment. “Accept my congratulations and wishing you the very best in your leadership career of an incredible global university. The alignment of the ecosystem should be your priority while implementing the University dashboard,” Dr Ibrahim wrote .
PROFILE OF PROFESSOR AYO OLAJUYIGBE, FNITP
Professor Ayo Olajuyigbe is a distinguished Nigerian scholar, planner, and development practitioner whose career has been defined by sustained contributions to urban and regional planning, environmental governance, and applied policy research.
With decades of experience in academia, professional practice, and consultancy, he is widely respected for bridging the gap between theory and practice in the planning and management of cities, regions, and strategic infrastructure developments.
Trained in Urban and Regional Planning, Professor Olajuyigbe has built an academic career rooted in rigorous scholarship and practical relevance.
His teaching and research span core planning fields including physical development planning, environmental management, regional development, infrastructure planning, sustainable urbanisation, and development policy.
As a professor, he has mentored numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, many of whom now serve in academia, government, and professional practice across Nigeria and beyond.
His pedagogical approach emphasizes analytical thinking, ethical planning practice, and the use of empirical evidence in policy formulation.
Professor Olajuyigbe is a prolific researcher and author. His scholarly works address critical development challenges facing Nigeria and other developing economies, particularly issues of land use planning, infrastructure, climate change, environmental sustainability, governance frameworks, and institutional capacity.
His research outputs, published in academic journals, edited volumes, and technical reports, are frequently cited and have informed planning practice and public-sector decision-making.
He is especially known for applying integrated planning frameworks and models, such as environmental assessment tools and spatial planning methodologies, to complex development contexts.
Beyond academia, Professor Olajuyigbe has made substantial contributions as a consultant and technical adviser on major planning and development projects, notably the Dangote Refinery and Dangote Fertilizer Plants.
He has led and participated in multidisciplinary teams responsible for environmental impact assessments, physical master plans, campus development plans, industrial and energy park layouts, and free trade zone planning.
His consultancy portfolio reflects a strong alignment with international best practices, including World Bank and IFC standards, while remaining sensitive to local socio-economic, cultural, and institutional realities. This balance has earned him recognition as a trusted expert in both public and private sector engagements.
Professor Olajuyigbe has played important roles in institutional development and professional service. He has contributed to policy dialogues, curriculum development, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening planning education and governance systems.
His work demonstrates a deep commitment to improving environmental stewardship, spatial equity, and sustainable development outcomes in Nigeria.
At the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, Olajuyigbe held several leadership positions, including Director of the University Advancement Centre, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, and Associate Director of the Centre for Research and Development. He is currently a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP).
Throughout his career, Professor Ayo Olajuyigbe has exemplified intellectual leadership, professional integrity, and public relevance.
His enduring impact lies not only in his publications and projects but also in the generation of planners, researchers, and policymakers he has trained and inspired.
As Nigeria and the wider African region continue to confront rapid urbanisation and environmental change, his expertise and thought leadership remain highly valuable to shaping resilient, inclusive, and well-governed development pathways.
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