Governing Council renews Prof. Olayinka Ramota Karim’s tenure after citing infrastructure expansion, full programme accreditation, new courses, higher enrolment and stronger global partnerships.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Fountain University, Osogbo, has given its first female Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim, another four years to build on what its Governing Council described as a first term marked by major institutional transformation.

The Council unanimously approved Karim’s reappointment for a second and final four-year term at its 67th Meeting on Monday, extending her tenure until February 28, 2031.

Her renewed term will begin on March 1, 2027, following the completion of her current tenure.

The decision was announced by the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Mr Sheriff Adeyemi Adenekan, who said the Council approved the reappointment after “careful consideration and robust deliberation”.

According to the Registrar, the Council based its decision on what it described as the “unprecedented achievements, breakthroughs and laudable initiatives” recorded under Karim during her first tenure.

The Council Chairman, Dr AWA Ibraheem, FCA, commended Karim for her doggedness, charisma, humility, perseverance and leadership acumen, describing her as an energetic, resourceful and goal-oriented leader who had surpassed the targets set for her at the beginning of her first term.

Under Karim, the Council said, the university has undergone significant transformation across infrastructure, academic programmes, student enrolment, international partnerships, staff welfare and its Islamic identity.

The areas highlighted by the Council include massive infrastructure expansion, full accreditation of academic programmes and the introduction of new programmes designed to meet high-demand areas.

The Council also cited increased student enrolment and expanded global partnerships, while improvements in staff welfare and the deepening of Fountain University’s Islamic identity were identified among the gains of the first tenure.

For the Governing Council, the decision to renew Karim’s mandate is therefore intended to provide continuity and consolidate the foundation laid during her first four years.

The Council said the second term would give the Vice-Chancellor an opportunity to build on the existing achievements while pursuing further institutional growth and development.

The Chairman and members of the Council congratulated Karim on her reappointment and expressed appreciation for her contribution to the advancement of the university.

They also expressed confidence in her ability to continue leading the institution and prayed for Almighty Allah to grant her and her Management team the strength, uncommon favour and wherewithal to take Fountain University to greater heights.

The reappointment has also received a positive response from the university’s Senate, whose members described it as a recognition of Karim’s leadership and a vote of confidence in the direction of the institution.

The Management team similarly expressed gratitude to the Governing Council, describing the decision as significant to the continued development of the university.

Karim’s reappointment has generated excitement across the Fountain University community, with staff and other members of the institution welcoming the continuation of her leadership.

Her first tenure followed a career spanning academia and university administration.

Karim has served in senior academic and administrative positions and is the first woman to occupy the office of Vice-Chancellor at Fountain University.

With her second term set to begin in March 2027, Karim is expected to build on the university’s first-term progress, with continued attention to academic excellence, infrastructure, partnerships, staff welfare and its mission of integrating faith, knowledge and service.