TELL Magazine names AAUA Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, among Nigeria’s 20 best performing VCs

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, has recorded another landmark moment as its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, has been named among the “20 Best Performing Vice Chancellors in Nigeria” by TELL Magazine, one of the country’s most respected media organisations.

The prestigious honour is contained in TELL Magazine’s special edition titled “Integrity in Leadership: 20 Best Performing Vice Chancellors in Nigeria,” published between December 29, 2025, and January 5, 2026. The publication serves as an authoritative reference on exemplary leadership and governance in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

The recognition underscores Professor Ige’s visionary leadership, administrative competence, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence since assuming office as Vice-Chancellor. As the chief executive and academic head of the university, he has consistently demonstrated a relentless pursuit of institutional growth, ethical governance, and global relevance.

In its formal communication, TELL Magazine noted that the selection celebrates vice-chancellors who have distinguished themselves through exceptional leadership in the day-to-day management and strategic direction of their universities. Being listed among this elite group is a testament to Professor Ige’s integrity, innovative governance style, and dedication to advancing the mission of Adekunle Ajasin University at both national and international levels.

Beyond this latest honour, Professor Ige’s leadership journey has been marked by a series of notable recognitions. In 2020, he was named “Ondo State Pillar of Education” by Hero Magazine, while Sunshine Standard Magazine recognised him as a “Role Model in Ondo State” in 2021. He has also received the “Distinguished Town and Gown Human Capital Development Award” from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (Ondo Chapter) and was honoured as “Distinguished Educationist and Administrator of the Year 2023” by the Nigerian Union of Journalists.

A renowned scholar, Professor Ige’s scientific research and academic publications have earned him national acclaim, including an Award of Excellence as the Most Outstanding Science Professor in Nigeria. His institution has equally benefited from this academic strength, with Exclusive World Magazine naming Adekunle Ajasin University the “Premier Academic Institution of the Year.”

His commitment to humanity and societal development has also attracted wide recognition. These include the Premius Humanitarian Excellence Award from the National Association of Students with Special Needs (NASSN), a Meritorious Service Award from the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, and a Distinguished Personality Award from the Federal Road Safety Corps.

He has further been honoured by the Yoruba Parapo Youths Movement, the National Association of University Students (Ondo Chapter), and most recently, with the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity by the Southern Youth Forum.

The university community, comprising staff, students, alumni, and friends of the institution, has expressed immense pride in the Vice-Chancellor’s achievement, describing it as a reflection of the collective progress, hard work, and positive culture nurtured at AAUA under his leadership.

This national recognition not only celebrates Professor Ige’s personal accomplishments but also reinforces Adekunle Ajasin University’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence, integrity, and ethical leadership in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.