The first substantive Vice Chancellor of AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin University (AATU), Oke-Ogba, Ganmo, Kwara State, Professor Olayemi Mikail Olaniyi, has formally assumed duty on Friday,2nd of October with a pledge to transform the institution into a world-class University within a short period.
Professor Olaniyi, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Mrs. Rukayat Olaniyi, and other family members, described the university as a strategic institution in the educational architecture of any nation, given its critical role in producing high-level manpower, generating research outputs and providing solutions to developmental challenges.
He assured the university community that, under his leadership, AATU would effectively discharge its core mandates of quality teaching, impactful research and community development, while pursuing academic excellence and global competitiveness.
The new Vice Chancellor commended his predecessors, the pioneer Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor AbdulRauf Ambali, and the immediate past Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga OluKayode, alongside the university management, for laying a solid foundation for the institution’s growth and development.
He noted that their contributions had positioned AATU as an attractive destination for prospective students and research partners, adding that his administration would consolidate on the achievements recorded so far to accelerate the university’s development.
Professor Olaniyi, a Professor of Computer Engineering, urged members of staff to remain diligent, trustworthy, innovative and passionate about their responsibilities, stressing that their commitment and professionalism would be critical to achieving the institution’s vision.
He further emphasised his administration’s commitment to the welfare of both staff and students, observing that a well-motivated workforce would be better positioned to deliver on the university’s mandate and contribute meaningfully to its overall success.
Earlier, the immediate past Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga OluKayode, had highlighted the achievements recorded , following the university’s receipt of a licence from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence academic activities, in April,2025.
Professor OluKayode expressed confidence in the new Vice Chancellor’s leadership and assured him of the readiness of the university’s staff to cooperate with his administration in consolidating its achievements.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the university community to supporting the new administration in its quest to achieve academic excellence and establish AATU as a globally competitive institution.
In a related development, Professor Olaniyi, accompanied by his predecessor, Professor Olugbenga OluKayode, and the Pioneer Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Dada Obafemi, paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Ganmo, where they paid homage and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with its host community.
The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between the university and its host community in promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and sustainable development.
