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 announced by the institution’s Governing Council following its eighth regular meeting held on June 10, 2026.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Dr. Khadijah Garba, said Olugbeko brings more than 20 years of experience in teaching, research and educational administration to the position.
According to the statement, his appointment will run for a single five-year term and will begin from the day he officially assumes office.
The council said it believes the new provost has the capacity to lead the institution and help strengthen its role in teacher education across the country.
Before his appointment, Olugbeko served as a Chief Lecturer on secondment at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Ekiadolor, Edo State.
He also worked at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, during a period of sabbatical and secondment.
Olugbeko began his academic journey at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, now known as Adeyemi Federal University of Education.
During his time there, he progressed through several academic ranks, moving from Lecturer III to Chief Lecturer before attaining the position of Associate Professor.
The statement noted that he has built a strong reputation in academic research, particularly in the areas of bilingualism, language policy and conflict resolution.
Over the years, he has produced numerous scholarly works, including textbooks and articles published in peer-reviewed journals.
The Governing Council also noted that Olugbeko has received over 40 awards and recognitions from academic organisations, student associations and community groups for his contributions to education and national development.
Beyond teaching and research, he has played active roles in academic union activities.
He previously served as President and Zonal Coordinator of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, where he participated in negotiations and policy discussions.
His contributions included involvement in reforms such as the implementation of the dual mandate curriculum in colleges of education.
The council further stated that Olugbeko helped attract intervention funds through engagements with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and also secured grants from organisations including UNESCO and the Universal Basic Education Commission.
In addition, he has served as a resource person for both the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the National Universities Commission.
The Governing Council congratulated the new provost on his appointment and assured him of its support as he takes over the leadership of the institution and works toward its continued growth and development.
