Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University (AATU) in Ilorin has appointed Professor Olayemi Olaniyi as its first substantive Vice-Chancellor. This move is aimed at strengthening the academic and administrative leadership of the relatively new institution. The appointment was approved by the university's Board of Trustees and ratified on September 4, 2026.
According to the institution's Registrar, Emmanuel Obafemi, Professor Olaniyi's appointment was carefully considered by the Pro Chancellor and Council Chairman, Professor Abdul Na'Allah. His academic and administrative experience is expected to enhance the university's day-to-day operations, institutional efficiency, and development. Professor Olaniyi is a Professor of Computer Engineering with nearly two decades of academic experience.
Professor Olaniyi's areas of expertise include computer security, intelligent and embedded systems, applied medical informatics, and open distance learning. Before his appointment, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Computing at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He has also held various administrative positions at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), including Deputy Dean and Head of the Department of Computer Engineering.
Prior to joining FUT Minna, Professor Olaniyi worked at Bells University of Technology, Ota, where he rose through the academic ranks. He became a Professor of Computer Engineering at FUT Minna in 2021. His educational background includes a National Diploma in Computer Technology from the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, and a Bachelor of Technology and PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.
Professor Olaniyi also holds a Master's degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering with distinction from Lagos State University. He has an impressive record of over 195 academic publications and has attracted research grants exceeding N350 million. He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Computer Society, IEEE, and ACM.
As a registered Computer Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Professor Olaniyi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. His appointment is expected to drive growth and development at AATU. The university's Board of Trustees and stakeholders have expressed confidence in his ability to lead the institution to greater heights.
With his extensive experience in academia and administration, Professor Olaniyi is poised to make a significant impact at AATU. His vision and leadership will likely shape the university's future and contribute to the growth of education in Nigeria. The institution's stakeholders are optimistic about the prospects of the university under his leadership.
Key points
- Professor Olayemi Olaniyi has been appointed as the first substantive Vice-Chancellor of Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University.
- He has nearly two decades of academic experience in computer engineering and related fields.
- Professor Olaniyi has an impressive record of over 195 academic publications and research grants exceeding N350 million.
