The progressive trend in the transition of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, from Emmanuel Alayande College of Education is gradually becoming a model for new and upcoming universities, as the impressive performance recorded within its short years of existence has been remarkably excellent and enviable.
Tracing the journey, the university came into existence on the sixteenth day of December, 2022, after passing through the required legislative process and being assented to by the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde. This development formally signalled the academic journey of the institution. From inception, the university received approval for 50 courses from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and commenced academic activities with 2,726 (two thousand, seven hundred and twenty-six) students in the 2023/2024 academic session. This figure increased to 3,034 (three thousand and thirty-four) students in the 2024/2025 academic session and 3,860 (three thousand, eight hundred and sixty) students in the 2025/2026 academic session. This brings the total student population to 9,620 (nine thousand, six hundred and twenty) within three years. A feat rarely achieved by newly established universities and even some older institutions within the country’s education system.
According to the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the university, the third Foundation Day represents a significant milestone in the academic journey of the institution. The mandate of the university, he noted, is clear: the production of high-level manpower for society through effective teaching. The university has continued to ensure that structures and systems are in place to achieve this mandate, while remaining committed to nurturing, shaping, and building great minds for societal development. These ideals, he added, are the driving forces behind the pioneer management of the institution from top to bottom.
Alayande Varsity to Convoke 47,623 NCE Graduates December 16, Marks End of College of Education Era
One of the core values of the university is its commitment to remembering its roots, particularly the NCE phase of its establishment. This has informed the management’s decision to recognise the 47,623 graduates produced during that phase. Records show that the college’s graduation ceremonies were last conducted up to 2004. Consequently, the university is now conducting graduation ceremonies for graduates from 2005 to 2025, marking the end of the era of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education. The institution traces its origin to St. Andrew’s College, Oyo, formerly a Grade II Teachers’ College established by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in 1896, before its transformation and upgrade into an NCE-awarding institution with full autonomy in 1985.
The journey of the university experience has been tremendous; largely smooth, though not without its challenges. Notably, within three years of establishment, and with the existing NCE programme still ongoing at take-off, the university has contributed an estimated ₦11.2 billion to the economy of Oyo town through real estate development, transportation, trade and commerce, among others, as empirically established. This has positioned the institution as one of the top and largest contributors to the local economy.
Over the three years of its establishment, the institution has demonstrated the capacity to nurture and train great minds required for societal growth. Students of the university have participated in various national and international competitions, returning with encouraging awards. Beyond the students, members of staff have also been meritoriously recognised and appointed to serve the state in various capacities. Notable among them are Prof. Olanrewaju Ademola Olaniyan, Vice-Chancellor, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; Mrs. Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo, Registrar and Secretary to Council; Dr. Olatundun Oluwatoyin Oyewumi, University Librarian; Dr. Babatunde Afees, Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC); and Dr. Aminat Adekemi Ahmed, Member, Technical University, Ibadan (TECH-U). In addition, the university has promoted 86 staff members within the academic cadre, with 47 elevated to professorial rank, while non-academic staff have also enjoyed due promotions across various levels and capacities.
While the university has acknowledged and appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for the ₦1 billion take-off grant, it has also benefitted from a series of interventions and projects facilitated by the state government. However, despite these gains, the institution continues to face notable challenges. Funding remains one of the fundamental issues, particularly as the student population continues to increase, placing greater demand on infrastructure and space for expansion within the university environment.
With 9,620 students and over 1,000 staff members currently on campus, there is an urgent need for additional space to ensure a smooth academic experience. The need for a pedestrian or overhead bridge linking both sides of the Oyo–Ogbomosho Expressway has also become critical in safeguarding the safety of students and staff within the university community. Furthermore, power outage remains a major challenge affecting the smooth running of the institution, prompting the management to explore alternative power generation solutions to support academic and administrative activities.
Akintunde Yusuf writes from Ibadan.
