The University of Offa, Kwara State, has formally announced the appointment of the Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Mufutau Muhammad Gbadamosi Oloyede, Okikiola Esuwoye II, as the Pioneer Chancellor of the University.

This landmark development was conveyed during a courtesy and working visit by the University’s leadership to the Olofa Palace on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The delegation was led by the Founder and Proprietor of the University, Dr. Rasaq Omoniyi Oyewale, who is also the Chief Babalaje of Offa, alongside the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kazeem Alagbe Gbolagade.

Speaking during the visit, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gbolagade expressed profound appreciation to the monarch for his enduring support and visionary leadership. He commended the monarch’s transformative contributions to the development of Offa under the #OffaTuntun initiative on behalf of the Founder/Proprietor, Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Senate, Staff and Students of the University.

He further disclosed that the formal inauguration of the Chancellor will take place during the University’s maiden Convocation Ceremony scheduled for October 2026. Professor Gbolagade also highlighted key academic developments within the institution, noting that the University is making significant progress toward the commencement of medical-related programmes, including Nursing Science, Community Health, Medical Laboratory Science, and Doctor of Physiotherapy.

According to him, the University has entered into strategic partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding with the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board (KW-HMB) and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). These collaborations are designed to provide a robust framework for both foundational and clinical training of students in the medical sciences.

He further revealed plans to expand the University’s academic offerings with the introduction of Law programmes, as well as Environmental Science courses, including Architecture. He added that the National Universities Commission (NUC) is expected to visit the institution soon for the verification of its proposed medical programmes.

In his response, the Olofa of Offa expressed deep satisfaction with the progress of the University. The Kwara First Class Monarch said that the varsity's visions align closely with his developmental agenda for Offa. He recalled his role in facilitating the approval of the University and reaffirmed his commitment to its continued growth and excellence.

The monarch also expressed optimism that the institution will produce future leaders and distinguished professionals who will contribute meaningfully to society and national development. In his remarks, the Founder and Proprietor, Dr. Rasaq Omoniyi Oyewale, conveyed appreciation to the monarch for his support and acceptance of the role as Pioneer Chancellor.

He prayed for the monarch’s continued good health, wisdom, and long reign in service to Offa and humanity. Other members of the University delegation present at the Palace included the Registrar, Mr. Salaudeen Jibola Oyewale; Dr. Pinheiro Oladimeji Simon, Dean, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences; Dr. Sa’adat Abdulkadir, Dean, Faculty of Education; Dr. Oluwaseun Oladeji, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies; Mr. Oyewale Abdulsalam, Director, Top-up/HND–BSc Conversion Programme and Administrative Officer; Mr. Obalowu Mustapha, Deputy Director, Top-up/HND–BSc Conversion Programme; Mr. Fuad Adedayo Olaogun, Director of Students’ Affairs; and Mr. Taofik Adekunle Jimoh, Head of Media Unit, among others.

The University of Offa remains committed to academic excellence, innovation, and the development of globally competitive graduates.