Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, a private institution in Kwara State, Nigeria, has appointed Professor Olayemi Mikail Olaniyi as its first substantive Vice-Chancellor. The appointment was approved by the university's Board of Trustees and took effect on September 4, 2026. Olaniyi, a 47-year-old Professor of Computer Engineering, brings two decades of academic experience to the role. His expertise spans computer security, intelligent and embedded systems, applied medical informatics, and open distance learning.
Professor Olaniyi's academic 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, Ogbomosho. He also holds an M.Sc. in Electronic and Computer Engineering from Lagos State University, obtained with Distinction. Before his appointment, Olaniyi was a Professor of Computer Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and had held various administrative positions.
The new Vice-Chancellor has a significant publication record, with 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, ACM, and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), where he is a Registered Computer Engineer. Olaniyi's appointment comes at a time when the university is expanding its programmes.
The National Universities Commission recently approved 15 additional programmes for Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University for the 2026/2027 academic session. These new programmes include Law, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, and Public Health, among others. The university was licensed by the NUC in April 2025, and its approved degree programmes commenced in September 2025 at its campus in Oke-Ogba, Ganmo, Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to the Pro-Chancellor/Council Chairman, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah, the appointment of Olaniyi is well-considered, and he is expected to bring his administrative and academic experience to bear on the day-to-day running of the university. Olaniyi will work closely with the Council on institutional efficiency and development. The university's Board of Trustees ratified his appointment at its third meeting held on September 4, 2026.
Before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, Olaniyi served as Deputy Dean, School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, at FUT Minna, and Head, Department of Computer Engineering, also at FUT Minna. He was also the Dean, Faculty of Computing, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). His experience in various academic and administrative roles is expected to contribute to the growth and development of Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University.
Professor Olaniyi is married with children. His appointment as the first substantive Vice-Chancellor of Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University marks a significant milestone for the institution, which is still in its early years of operation. The university's growth and development will likely be influenced by Olaniyi's leadership and expertise in the coming years.
Key points
- Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University appoints Professor Olayemi Olaniyi as its first substantive Vice-Chancellor.
- Olaniyi brings two decades of academic experience in computer engineering and related fields.
- The university has recently expanded its programmes, with 15 new programmes approved for the 2026/2027 academic session.
