By Correspondent, Lokoja.
The Governing Council of the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State, has approved the appointment of Professor Gbenga Ibileye as the institution’s fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university,Prof. Zubairu Abdullahi, who announced the appointment in Lokoja on Tuesday, said Professor Ibileye emerged the best candidate from a shortlist of three.
“Professor Ibileye emerged tops, ranking first among the three candidates interviewed for the position,” Abdullahi stated.
Professor Ibileye’s appointment follows the expiration of the five-year single tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof.Olayemi Akinwumi, who is due to complete his term in February 2026.
Born on June 7, 1966, in Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Prof. Ibileye is a seasoned scholar with vast academic and administrative experience.
He obtained his BA, MA and PhD degrees in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
He has served at the Federal University, Lokoja, since 2012, where he rose to become Professor and Provost, the College of Postgraduate Studies.
The VC has also held several key leadership positions, including Acting Vice-Chancellor, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Pioneer Director of the General Studies Programme among others.
Professor Ibileye’s research interests span Discourse Analysis, Pragmatics, Legal and Forensic Linguistics, and Applied Linguistics, with special focus on political discourse, media analysis, constitutional language and leadership communication.
Reacting to the appointment of the new Vice Chancellor,a journalist,in a feature titled “Celebrating A Visionary Ascent,,,,” a journalist,Mr.Ad3 Bada described him as a prolific scholar who has authored and co-authored numerous academic articles and books, including Current Trends in Discourse Analysis and the English Teacher’s Guide Series (Volumes 1–6).
“His contributions to scholarship and education have earned him several honours, notably the Distinguished Pragmatician Award (2025), the Noble Prize for Education (2024), and induction into the Hall of Fame in 2023.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
