The Vice-Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo State, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, has assured staff and students that challenges facing the institution would soon be things of the past.
Prof. Popoola, the first substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, gave the assurance while addressing staff and students at the September 2025 edition of the University- organised monthly prayer meeting, which was held on Monday, September 1, 2025, in the institution.
Emphasising the importance of prayer in human activities, the renowned scholar commended the organisers of the prayer meeting, noting that by ensuring that prayer is said in all activities held in the University, the institution could be described as “a praying institution.”
Highlighting some of the challenges facing the institution, especially in the area of finance, the University Administrator, however, expressed optimism that God would intervene in the matter.
“We thank God for bringing us to the month of September. Last month, precisely, the 14th of August, 2025, was very important in the history of our institution. It was on that day that our journey from the transition to a University from College of Education came to an end.
“It has not been smooth for us, we have challenges, but we are trusting, and having confidence that God will help us, as we try to fix them. I, therefore, enjoin all of us to continue to pray, with God on our side, we will overcome,” the VC stated.
Prof. Popoola also stressed the need for staff and students of the institution to exercise patience with his administration, assuring that all promises made by him would be kept by the grace of God.
He said: “Even though our resources may be meagre, if we look unto God, exercise patience and put our trust in the Lord, we will have more than enough.”
On matters pertaining to mobilisation of graduates of the institution for the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, Prof. Popoola pleaded for time, stating that his administration was working tirelessly towards addressing the problem.
He said: “I want to appeal to our students that are yet to be mobilised for the NYSC, to give us some time, we are working on it. In fact, I have declared a state of emergency in that area. Therefore, I am pleading with our students who are affected, please tell your parents that we are working on it.”
While soliciting for more support and cooperation, the University Administrator urged staff and students not to relent in praying for the institution, while admonishing that their prayer should, however, be backed by action.
“We need your prayer, therefore, let us translate our prayer into action. In terms of efficiency, this institution should be the best, we should exhibit the right attitude at our workplace, and respect time because it is very important. Let us do our best to have an impact on the next person,” he stated.
Earlier in a sermon delivered on the occasion by one of the senior members of the University prayer committee, Pastor Paul Adebayo, he admonished the congregation not to be disturbed in time of challenges.
Speaking on what he titled ” etter days ahead”, the preacher assured of God’s support, saying God always answer prayers of those who call on Him in time of trouble.
