From years of building the institution to now leading it, Prof Samuel Ekundayo Oladipo’s appointment as Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASUED) marks a full-circle moment.
Announced by the university’s governing council, Oladipo will assume office as the 6th substantive Vice Chancellor on May 5, 2026.
But beyond the title, his journey within TASUED tells a deeper story.
He joined the institution in 1999 when it was still Tai Solarin College of Education.
When it transitioned into a university in 2005, he became one of its foundation faculty members—part of the early team that helped shape its academic structure.
By October 2014, he had risen to the rank of professor in Social Psychology.
Over the years, Oladipo has held several key positions that placed him at the centre of academic planning and institutional development.
He served as Chairman of the University Result Vetting Board, pioneer Director of the Directorate of Research and External Relations, and pioneer Dean of the College of Specialised and Professional Education.
He also worked as Deputy Director in the Directorate of Academic Planning, Quality Assurance and Research, and as Sub-Dean in the College of Applied Education and Vocational Technology.
His academic journey has extended beyond Nigeria.
He held a sabbatical position at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at North-West University in Mafikeng, South Africa, between 2013 and 2015.
He is also a recipient of the National Research Fund award.
In terms of scholarship, Oladipo has built an extensive portfolio.
He has authored over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, edited 10 academic books, contributed to several book chapters, and written more than 15 Christian books.
His research interests span areas such as spirituality and health, help-seeking behaviour, gender-based violence, child abuse, and psychological scale development.
Recently, he completed a TETFund-sponsored research project focused on developing a psycho-educational counselling programme for survivors of child sexual abuse in Nigeria.
Professionally, he is affiliated with several bodies, including the American Psychological Association, the Psychological Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Social Psychology Association, the Counselling Psychology Association of Nigeria, and the African Scientist Organisation.
Outside formal roles, Oladipo is also known as a pastor and mentor, with a reputation for discipline, precision, and consistency.
Born on June 29, 1969, into the family of the late Mr and Mrs Amos Oladipo of Akinmoorin, Oyo State, his career has been closely tied to the growth of TASUED.
His appointment was announced by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof Rahamon Bello, who described his emergence as a product of merit, resilience, and dedication to the university’s founding values.
As he steps into the role, attention will likely be on how his long-standing connection to the institution shapes the next phase of its development.
Credit: ThePunch
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