President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Associate Professor Smart Olugbeko as the substantive Provost of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The appointment was announced by the institution’s Governing Council during its 8th Regular Meeting held on June 10, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Dr Khadijah Garba, described Olugbeko as an experienced academic and administrator with over 20 years of service in teaching, research and educational leadership.
According to the statement, the appointment takes immediate effect upon his assumption of office and will run for a single term of five years.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, approved the appointment of Dr Smart Olugbeko as the substantive Provost of the College,” Garba stated.
The Governing Council expressed confidence in Olugbeko’s ability to provide effective leadership and further strengthen the institution’s reputation as a centre of excellence 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 positions at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, through sabbatical and secondment appointments.
He began his academic career at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, now Adeyemi Federal University of Education, where he progressed from Lecturer III to the ranks of Chief Lecturer and Associate Professor.
The council noted that Olugbeko has made notable contributions to scholarship, particularly in the fields of bilingualism, language policy and conflict resolution, with numerous publications and textbooks to his credit.
It also highlighted his extensive record of professional recognition, having received more than 40 awards and honours from academic institutions, student bodies and community organisations for his contributions to education and national development.
The statement further acknowledged his leadership role in the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, where he served as President and Zonal Coordinator, contributing to policy reforms, including the implementation of the dual mandate curriculum.
In addition, Olugbeko was credited with facilitating funding interventions through TETFund engagements and attracting grants from organisations such as UNESCO and the Universal Basic Education Commission.
The council also 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, the Governing Council pledged its full support in advancing the college’s mandate and promoting its continued growth and development.
Advertisement