Until his appointment, Ekanola was the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics.

He was elected the same day, 30th of November, 2020 the tenure of Prof Idowu Olayinka expired as the VC of the 72-year-old university.

It was gathered that five Professors had indicated interest in succeeding the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka.

Ekanola scored 275 votes to defeat four other rivals vying for the position.

Others who contested include Professor Olanike Adeyemo who scored 13 votes, Professor A. Oluleye who got 80 votes, Professor Adigun Agbaje who got 15 votes and Professor Gbemisola Oke who got 14 votes.