Olu Samuel
The Governing Council of Federal University Lokoja has approved the appointment of Professor Gbenga Ibileye as the Institution’s Fourth substantive Vice-chancellor.
The Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Institution’s Governing Council Professor, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, who announced the appointment on Tuesday said Professor Ibileye emerged tops, First, out of the best three candidates.
Professor Ibileyes appointment follows the expiration of the five years single term of professor Olayemi Akinwumi who will now out in February ,2026
Born on June 7, 1966, in Kogi State, Professor Ibileye is a renowned scholar with a wealth of experience in academia and leadership.
He holds a PhD in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University, obtained in 2002, and has served as Professor and Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies at Federal University Lokoja since 2012. Professor Ibileye has also held various leadership positions, including Acting Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Pioneer Director of General Studies.
Professor Ibileye’s research expertise lies in Discourse Analysis, Pragmatics, Legal Linguistics, Forensic Linguistics, and Applied Linguistics, with specialization in Political Discourse, Media Analysis, Constitutional Language, and Communication in Leadership.
He has published numerous articles and books, including “Current Trends in Discourse Analysis” and “English Teacher’s Guide Series 1-6”.
Throughout his career, Professor Ibileye has received several awards and recognitions, including the Distinguished Pragmatician Award (2025), Noble Prize for Education (2024), and Hall of Fame Induction (2023). He has also made significant contributions to community development, establishing the Gbenga Ibileye Prize for Academic Excellence and sponsoring grassroots football.
Professor Ibileye’s vision for higher education focuses on Academic Excellence & Research Culture, Infrastructure & Digital Transformation, Community Partnerships & Entrepreneurship, and International Collaborations & Global Rankings. He has attracted over ₦1.4B in funding and consultancy, and his international experience includes training in the USA, UK, and Senegal, as well as collaborations with Rhodes University and the University of Burundi.
Professor Ibileye’s appointment is a testament to his outstanding academic and leadership credentials, and his vision for Federal University Lokoja is expected to further elevate the institution’s reputation as a hub for academic excellence and innovation.