In Nigerian universities, professorship is often seen as a career peak reached after decades of teaching and research. But at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), history was recently rewritten when Professor Olushola Sunday Ayanda became the youngest academic in the institution to earn that coveted title.
At just forty-two, Prof. Ayanda has defied the odds, blazing a trail of academic brilliance, innovation and digital leadership. His journey from a modest background in Ilorin to the halls of FUOYE shows that age is no barrier to excellence when talent meets discipline.
For him, the professorship is not just about personal honour—it is a call to duty. His appointment as Pioneer Director of Innovation and Digital Technology at FUOYE has positioned him at the heart of a bold experiment: building a Nigerian university that thrives on technology, digital learning and innovation.
Colleagues and students alike say his youth, coupled with his passion, makes him unusually approachable. He represents a new kind of academic—one that combines deep research in nanoscience with the practical urgency of solving everyday Nigerian problems through technology.
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From Chemistry Labs to Digital Frontlines
Prof. Ayanda’s story begins with chemistry. He earned his BSc in Industrial Chemistry in 2005 and an MSc in the same field in 2009, both from the University of Ilorin. With an insatiable hunger for more knowledge, he went on to complete his PhD in Chemistry at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa. There, he specialised in nanoscience and nanotechnology, fields that hold promise for healthcare, renewable energy and even agriculture.
Over the years, he built a portfolio of research that spans more than a decade, publishing in respected journals and earning citations across the world. His work on nanomaterials and their applications has placed him on the global academic map, making him not only a local success story but also an international voice from Nigeria.
But his academic climb was not just about publications and conferences. Along the way, Prof. Ayanda developed a growing interest in how universities could become more than just centres of learning. He wanted FUOYE to embrace technology, to prepare students for a globalised economy, and to serve as a hub of problem-solving innovation.
This conviction led him to the world of digital transformation in education, a space he now occupies with energy and vision.
Championing Innovation in Academia
As FUOYE’s Director of Innovation and Digital Technology, Prof. Ayanda has one mission: to make FUOYE a model of a 21st-century Nigerian university. He is driving projects that integrate digital tools into teaching, research and administration.
In his words, “Digital transformation is no longer optional; it is survival. Nigerian universities must adapt or risk irrelevance.”
Under his leadership, FUOYE has expanded its use of virtual classrooms, invested in digital research platforms, and strengthened partnerships with tech-driven industries. Students now have access to more interactive learning experiences, while lecturers are encouraged to adopt technology for teaching and assessment.
One of the hallmarks of his work is the FUOYE Innovation Bootcamp 2025, where he guided hundreds of students through workshops on problem-solving, digital product design and entrepreneurial thinking. Many participants described it as a turning point in their outlook—shifting from job-seeking to job-creating mindsets.
His colleagues note that Prof. Ayanda’s style is different: he does not simply talk about innovation; he demonstrates it. From creating digital platforms that streamline academic processes to supporting start-ups within the university, he has shown how technology can reduce barriers and unlock opportunities.
For the students, his mentorship has been life-changing. Several who once struggled with conventional teaching methods now thrive in digitally enhanced environments. Others have launched small tech start-ups, inspired by his belief that Nigerian youths can compete globally if given the right tools.
Age Is No Barrier: A Catalyst for Nigerian Academia
What makes Prof. Ayanda’s achievement especially significant is the context. In Nigeria, many academics do not become professors until their late fifties or sixties. By breaking that mould, he has proven that youth and merit can redefine what is possible in academia.
For Nigerian students, his story is an inspiration. It challenges the stereotype that young people must wait decades before leading institutions. Instead, it shows that dedication, international exposure and innovative thinking can fast-track leadership.
But his rise is not just personal—it is institutional. By holding a leadership position at FUOYE, he is helping to change the very culture of Nigerian universities. He is pushing for systems that reward creativity, collaboration and the smart use of technology.
On the global stage, his research in nanotechnology and his commitment to digital education have given FUOYE visibility. Through collaborations and publications, he has positioned the university as one of Africa’s rising centres of innovation.
Looking ahead, Prof. Ayanda believes that Nigerian universities can become global leaders in digital education, provided they invest in infrastructure, encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, and build strong links with industry. He calls for more government support but also stresses that universities themselves must be proactive.
In his own words: “Our young people are digital natives. It is our duty as educators to give them platforms where their creativity can thrive. Nigerian universities must not be left behind.”
Conclusion
The story of FUOYE’s youngest professor is more than a personal success—it is a symbol of change. Prof. Olushola Sunday Ayanda embodies the possibilities that open when knowledge, innovation and courage intersect. His leadership in digital transformation is not only reshaping FUOYE but also offering a model for Nigerian academia.
At forty-two, his journey is just beginning. But if his track record is anything to go by, his influence will stretch far beyond Ekiti, leaving a legacy for future generations of students, researchers and innovators.
In a country where universities often struggle to adapt, Prof. Ayanda’s vision provides a refreshing reminder that the future of Nigerian education can be digitally driven, globally relevant, and locally impactful.
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