Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, is proud to announce that our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has been selected by TELL Communications Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost media organisations, as one of the “20 Best Performing Vice Chancellors in Nigeria.”

This prestigious recognition is part of TELL Magazine’s special edition, themed “Integrity in Leadership: 20 Best Performing Vice Chancellors in Nigeria,” published on December 29, 2025 – January 5, 2026. This special publication serves as a rich reference material on exemplary leadership in the Nigerian tertiary education sector.

The nomination underscores Prof. Ige’s visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to academic excellence, and the transformative impact of his administration since assuming office. As the chief executive and academic head of the university, the Vice Chancellor’s role demands a relentless pursuit of excellence – a standard Prof. Ige has consistently embodied.

In a formal communication from TELL Magazine, the organisation highlighted that the selection celebrates vice chancellors who provide exceptional leadership in the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of their institutions. To be counted among this distinguished cohort is a testament to Prof. Ige’s integrity, innovative governance, and dedication to advancing Adekunle Ajasin University’s mission on both national and global stages.

The entire university community – staff, students, alumni, and friends of the institution – extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. Olugbenga Ige on this well-deserved national accolade.

This honour is not only a personal achievement for the Vice Chancellor but also a reflection of the collective progress, hard work, and positive culture fostered at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, under his guidance. It reinforces our institution’s standing as a centre of excellence and ethical leadership.

A cerebral leader with infectious charisma, capacity, and overwhelming administrative experience, Prof. Ige has contributed uniquely to the administration and growth of tertiary education in the state through various leadership roles. His contributions to education have been particularly noted and honoured. He was named the “Ondo State Pillar of Education” by Hero Magazine (2020) and acknowledged as a “Role Model in Ondo State” by Sunshine Standard Magazine (2021). Further affirming his standing, he received the “Distinguished Town and Gown Human Capital Development Award” from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ondo Chapter, and was named “Distinguished Educationist and Administrator of the Year 2023” by the Nigerian Union of Journalists.

His scientific research and publications have also earned significant acclaim, culminating in an “Award of Excellence as the Most Outstanding Science Professor in Nigeria.” This scientific impact was further recognised when Exclusive World Magazine named his institution the “Premier Academic Institution of the Year.”

In recognition of his services to humanity, he has received the “Premius Humanitarian Excellence Award” from the National Association of Students with Special Needs (NASSN), a “Meritorious Service Award” from the ANSAR-UR-DEEN Society of Nigeria (AUDSN), and a “Distinguished Personality Award” from the Federal Road Safety Corps. His dedication to societal development was honoured with an “Award of Excellence” from the Yoruba Parapo Youths Movement (YPYM).

Other notable recognitions include an award for excellent service from the National Association of University Students (NAUS CNC, Ondo Chapter) and, most recently, the “Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity” from the Southern Youth Forum.

The university community is encouraged to share in this pride and continue to support the vision that has earned our leader this remarkable recognition.

We join TELL Magazine in celebrating this feat.

Congratulations, our dear Professor Ige!

 

Signed:

Victor A. Akinpelumi

Deputy Registrar, Information, Protocols and Public Relations/

Head, Radio AAUA 90.3FM

Adekunle Ajasin University,

Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria