President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Associate Professor, Smart Olugbeko as the substantive Provost of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, in Ekiti State.

The appointment was confirmed by the institution’s Governing Council during its 8th Regular Meeting held on June 10, 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Dr Khadijah Garba, said Olugbeko’s appointment takes immediate effect from the date he assumes office and will run for a single five-year tenure.

Garba described the new provost as an accomplished academic and administrator with over 20 years of experience spanning teaching, research and educational management.

She stated that the Federal Government, acting through the Governing Council, approved the appointment following the completion of the selection process.

The Governing Council expressed confidence that Olugbeko possesses the leadership capacity required to advance the institution’s vision and further strengthen its role in teacher education.

Before his appointment, Olugbeko served as a Chief Lecturer on secondment at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Ekiadolor, Edo State. He also held academic appointments through sabbatical and secondment programmes at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos.

His academic career began at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, now Adeyemi Federal University of Education, where he progressed through the ranks from Lecturer III to Chief Lecturer before attaining the position of Associate Professor.

The statement highlighted his contributions to academic scholarship, particularly in the fields of bilingualism, language policy and conflict resolution. It noted that he has authored numerous scholarly publications and textbooks in those areas.

According to the council, Olugbeko has received more than 40 awards and recognitions from professional bodies, student associations and community groups in acknowledgment of his contributions to education and national development.

The statement also underscored his involvement in union leadership, noting that he served as President and Zonal Coordinator of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, where he played key roles in negotiations and policy reforms, including the implementation of the dual mandate curriculum.

In addition, Olugbeko was credited with facilitating funding interventions through engagements with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and attracting grants from organisations such as UNESCO and the Universal Basic Education Commission.

The council further described him as a respected resource person for both the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the National Universities Commission.

Congratulating the new provost on his appointment, the Governing Council pledged its support in ensuring the continued growth and development of the institution.