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 following its eighth regular meeting held on June 10, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Dr Khadijah Garba, said Olugbeko brings more than two decades of experience in teaching, research and educational administration to the position.
According to the statement, the appointment is for a single five-year tenure and will take effect from the date he officially assumes office.
The Governing Council expressed confidence in the new provost’s ability to provide effective leadership and strengthen the institution’s contribution to teacher education in Nigeria.
Before his appointment, Olugbeko served as a Chief Lecturer on secondment at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Ekiadolor, Edo State. He also previously worked at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, during periods of sabbatical and secondment.
Olugbeko began his academic career at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, now known as Adeyemi Federal University of Education, where he rose through the ranks from Lecturer III to Chief Lecturer before attaining the position of Associate Professor.
The statement noted that he has built a strong academic profile, particularly in the areas of bilingualism, language policy and conflict resolution. Over the years, he has authored several textbooks and published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.
The Governing Council further disclosed that Olugbeko has received more than 40 awards and recognitions from academic bodies, student associations and community groups for his contributions to education and national development.
Beyond academics, he has also played active roles in union activities, having served as President and Zonal Coordinator of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union. In those capacities, he participated in policy discussions and negotiations, including reforms related to the implementation of the dual mandate curriculum in colleges of education.
The council also credited him with facilitating intervention funds through engagements with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and securing grants from organisations such as UNESCO and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
In addition, he has served as a resource person for the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the National Universities Commission.
The Governing Council congratulated Olugbeko on his appointment and assured him of its support as he assumes leadership of the institution and works towards its continued growth and development.
