Former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan, has officially resigned as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Olaniyan’s resignation follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requiring all political appointees with electoral ambitions to step down from their positions before March 31, 2026.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday, Olaniyan stated that his resignation, effective March 23, 2026, is to allow him to pursue his political ambitions in compliance with the 2026 Electoral Act.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, noting, “I consider it a great privilege given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to have served in this capacity and contributed, within my modest ability, to the growth and development of the institution during my tenure.”
Olaniyan recommended Barrister (Mrs.) Inime Aguma to act as the new Chairman of the Governing Council, praising her competence and commitment to advancing the college’s objectives.
Other political appointees expected to step down in the coming days include Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and Adebayo Shittu, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, as they prepare to contest in gubernatorial elections.
Olaniyan served as Oyo State Deputy Governor during Governor Seyi Makinde’s first term before being removed and replaced by Barrister Bayo Lawal.