The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, the lawmaker representing Niger East, Senator Sani Musa, and two others would be conferred with honorary degrees of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI).
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa, who disclosed this during a press conference heralding the activities of the maiden convocation ceremonies, added that the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu, and the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, would also be decorated with the institution’s honorary degrees.
He disclosed that the four eminent Nigerians were being recognized for their impacts and contributions to the development and progress of society.
The VC explained that the convocation ceremony slated for March 8, 2025, would be a significant milestone in the institution’s history since its creation by the administration of former governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi in 2020.
He revealed that no fewer than 1,109 students would be graduating at the maiden convocation across five colleges, with 38 in first class, 425 in second class upper, 586 in second class lower, and 60 in third class categories respectively.
According to him, a former Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany and emeritus professor of history, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, would deliver the convocation lecture.
Adeoluwa explained that the university in the last five years has witnessed tremendous growth across areas, especially in the student enrollment, which is now over 18,000 students.
The VC noted that the Times Higher ranking placed the university as the 26th best institution in the country due to its unique programmes, quality of the teachings, and the competence of lecturers.
He commended the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, for their commitment and support to the development of the university, saying that the increase in the subventions by the governor has helped the institution to fulfill its responsibilities.
He said, “ Our institution has a rich history, founded on the principles of academic excellence, innovation, and community service. Our mission is to generate, disseminate, and advance knowledge and groom students in education, science, and technology to find solutions to the major challenges facing our immediate society and the world’s challenges in the 21st century.
“As we stand on the threshold of this momentous occasion, I am filled with a sense of pride, gratitude, and hope. Pride in the achievement of our students, gratitude for the support of our partners.
“We reaffirm our commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community service; we pledge to continue providing a world-class education that empowers our students to become leaders and responsible citizens.”
The VC, however, lamented the lack of funding for the institutions since its creation, noting that the interventions of TETfund and other agencies have been instrumental in the infrastructural development.
“The monthly subvention from the state government is grossly inadequate for the university because the university has a lot of debts to pay and old physical structures to maintain.
“The university has not received either a capital grant or a take-off grant from the state government, and the debt profile inherited from the defunct College of Education is high, and we find it difficult to defray this, which includes staff gratuities that have not been paid since 1993,” he said.