Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated the commitment of his administration to investing more in the development of the education sector in the state.
Oyebanji who explained the critical role of education in the fulfillment of its shared prosperity agenda, noted that investing in the sector and skills acquisition by committing more resources would serve as a catalyst to socio-economic development of the state.
The governor spoke on Saturday in Ikere-Ekiti at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI).
At the ceremony, four eminent Nigerians including the governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah; Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu ; the chairman Senate committee of finance, Senator Sani Musa and a business mogul, Dr Tunji Olowolafe were awarded with honorary degrees.
Also, no fewer than 38 students bagged First Class degress out of the 1,109 graduates including 425 with Second Class Upper,586 Second Class Lower and 60 finishing with Third class.
The governor who congratulated the university management and other stakeholders for the feats recorded by the institution since its creation five years ago, said that the institution would no doubt compete favourably with others across the country and the world.
He appealed to the first set of graduating students to make their impacts known in the larger society with the knowledge and skills acquired from the university, adding that they have been prepared to provide solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the country.
He commended the Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun,SAN for his support and, ” selfless efforts in ensuring that BOUESTI occupies its pride of place in the global educational landscape.”
According to him, ” In a world ever changing, where the only constant is change itself, the role of education becomes all the more critical. It is education that shapes minds, molds leaders, and instills the values that form the very foundation of society.
” The education sector is a major focal point of the Ekiti State Government, hence, the enormous resources committed to infrastructural upgrade and human capital development.
” As a government, we understand the importance of equipping our youths not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills that prepare them for the demands of an evolving world. This is why we have placed a high premium on entrepreneurial skills. In line with this vision, we are investing heavily in the establishment of entrepreneurial and innovation centres across the state.
” Let me assure you that this administration remains steadfast in its commitment to the growth of BOUESTI. Like a gardener tending to a precious vineyard, we will continue to provide the infrastructure, resources and support needed for this institution to thrive. Our vision is to see this University rise as a citadel of learning, producing graduates who will not only compete but lead on the global stage.”
The Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah commended the university for recognizing him with the honorary degree, which he said would further encourage him to do more to the people and the society.
While promising support to the university, Governor Mbah commended his Ekiti state counterpart for his love and commitment towards the development of education in the state.
Speaking, the Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun who expressed joy over the accomplishments of the institution in the last four years especially in the area of accredited programmes, called on the state government and other stakeholders to support BOUESTI in achieving its vision of producing graduates that would make a mark in the society.
” The journey of BOUESTI is a story of transformation, growth, and unwavering commitment to excellence. From her humble beginning in 1976 as a College of Education, to its current status as a full-fledged University, it will surely continue to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, educators, and innovators. This is the dream of this great University, and we believe in it,” he said.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa disclosed that the institution has witnessed tremendous growth and development in the last four years, noting that the enrollment has increased from 2,400 in 2021 to 18,000 students.
He added that the university has 78 accredited programmes across different colleges, saying that, ” It is pertinent to say that some of these programmes are
not common, like Procurement Management, Clothing and Textile and this University is
the only one in Nigeria for now running a Degree Programme in Fashion Design.”
Delivering the convocation lecture titled, ‘ Nigeria within the Context of Global University Development’ a former Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun warned federal and state governments against further creation of universities without adequate funding.
He opined that proliferation of higher institutions in Nigeria has impacted negatively on the quality of learning due to lack of funding, the emeritus professor said, ” unless Nigerian universities can go into ventures that will give them money they will hopelessly depend on government.”
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