20/07/2026
COEASU FCE(S) Oyo Chapter Celebrates Provost Three Years of Transformational Leadership
The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo Chapter, has celebrated the Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the College, Dr. Ademola Rauf Salami, on the successful completion of his third year in office, describing him as a visionary leader whose administration has brought remarkable progress and stability to the College.
Speaking during the celebration, the Chairman of COEASU, Comrade W.A. Adeleke, stressed the importance of celebrating exceptional leaders while they are still in office rather than waiting until the end of their tenure. He noted that since the inauguration of the current COEASU executive, the Provost has consistently maintained an open-door policy and has always given the union a listening ear.
Adeleke highlighted several achievements of the administration, including the prompt implementation of a 100 percent increase in the Teaching Practice Allowance and the enhancement of its payment into three tranches. He further commended the Provost for approving the payment of the 2025 promotion arrears and the salary arrears of staff employed in 2024, describing the achievements as clear demonstrations of his unwavering commitment to staff welfare.
He appreciated the Provost for honouring the invitation despite his busy schedule, noting that he was expected in Abuja for an official engagement at the National Assembly. He congratulated Dr. Salami on his third anniversary in office and wished him continued success during the remaining two years of his tenure.
The event also featured an appraisal of the administration's three year scorecard, accompanied by goodwill messages from members of staff and stakeholders across the College community.
The Chairman of the Committee of Deans, Dr. A.A. Adejumobi, described the Provost as "a man who says what he means and does what he says." He praised his commitment to fairness, equity and justice, noting that the College has experienced a remarkable transformation under his leadership. He prayed for God's continued guidance and a successful completion of his tenure.
The Director of Academic Planning, Dr. S.J. Ogunkunle, remarked that the Provost's sterling performance was not surprising, recalling his impactful leadership as a former COEASU Chairman. According to him, Dr. Salami has successfully replicated his courage, vision and purposeful leadership as Provost. He also commended his leadership style of empowering officers with the freedom to discharge their responsibilities without unnecessary interference, urging him to remain steadfast in the principles that have continued to yield positive results.
A member of the 8th Governing Council, Mr. A.A. Ufford, stated that the Provost has performed exceptionally well at the Council level, adding that his proactive leadership has made the Council's responsibilities easier. He also applauded his commitment to staff welfare, particularly through the establishment of the SPED Welfare Scheme, which he described as one of the administration's notable legacies.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of SSUCOEN, Comrade Gani Odukale, and the Chairman of NASU, Comrade Tolulope Badmus, noted that although labour unions rarely identify closely with management, Dr. Salami's background as a seasoned unionist has fostered mutual understanding and harmonious working relationships. They pledged their continued support and encouraged him to sustain his people oriented policies, especially in the area of staff welfare.
Also speaking, the Director of the Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance and Compliance (IQAC), Dr. O.O. Adeniyi; the WICE Chairperson, Mrs. O.A. Sulola; and the Chairman of the Ceremonial Committee, Dr. T.A.O. Oladimeji, commended the Provost's leadership, stating that his administration has met, and in many respects surpassed the expectations of members of staff.
The National President of SSUCOEN, Comrade Niyi Akinneye, expressed delight at the unique nature of the celebration, observing that labour unions hardly organise events to honour members of management. According to him, such recognition is only accorded to administrators whose performance has earned the admiration and confidence of the workforce. He noted that Dr. Salami has taught him valuable lessons in courageous leadership and that the advice he received from him upon assuming office as SSUCOEN National President remains invaluable. He also expressed confidence that, as Chairman of the Committee of Provosts, Dr. Salami would continue to leverage his position to advance the growth and national relevance of the College.
The Deputy Provost, Dr. B.A. Adebiyi, described the Provost as a transparent, compassionate and quality driven leader who always puts himself in the position of others before making decisions. He added that the standard of infrastructural development across the College reflects the Provost's passion for excellence and enduring quality.
Responding, the Provost, Dr. Ademola Rauf Salami, attributed the achievements of the past three years to the collective efforts of the management and staff of the College, as well as the deliberate placement of competent individuals in appropriate positions.
He assured members of staff that the administration's developmental drive was far from over, revealing that the College main entrance would soon undergo a major facelift as part of preparations for the College forthcoming 50th Anniversary celebration.
The Provost also encouraged members of staff to remain honest and constructive in their feedback to the administration. In his words, "Don't cover us up. If we are not doing it right, please tell us," he charged.
Describing the office of the Provost as a sacred trust, Dr. Salami prayed that it would always remain a position of honour and not one of judgment, before concluding his remarks with his popular slogan, "Máà ṣe dédé, máà ṣe dáada".
Prayers were offered for the Provost by the Chief Imam of the College, Dr. W.A. Jimoh, and the representative of the Christian Community Forum (CCF), Mr. Adeola Thompson. They prayed for God's continued guidance, wisdom, good health, and greater success for the Provost, as well as sustained peace, progress, and prosperity for the College.
Directorate of Information and Public Relations
