Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has commended the Governing Council of Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) for developing the university to enviable heights within 11 years of establishment.
Governor Oyebanji stated this while receiving members of the Governing Council of the University led by its chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma- Egba, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina at the Governor’s office, Ado Ekiti on Monday. The Governor also applauded the institution for championing academic excellence among over 280 public universities in the country.
The Governor said there is no doubt that FUOYE under the leadership of Senator Ndoma-Egba will continue to soar higher, adding that he is impressed with the accomplishments of staff and students of the institution in areas of academic excellence and research.
Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the state government would continue to support the university in its infrastructure development drive, which is geared towards repositioning the institution as one of the leading institutions of higher learning.
Speaking on the education policy of his administration, the Governor said his government would continue to translate the state’s comparative advantage in education into wealth creation in line with shared prosperity agenda of the administration. This, he said informed huge investment in learning facilities in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state.
He commended Senator Ndoma- Egba for the richness of his contribution during his time at the National Assembly as well as his sterling contribution to national development as an accomplished lawyer, politician and public servant.
“When you were in the Seventh Senate, you were one of the few senators I took special interest in, because of the richness of your contributions on the floor of the senate and by the kind of leadership you espoused. You remain a leader that I have absolute respect for.
“I must congratulate FUOYE for having you as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, I must also thank the President for putting a fit and proper person as the chair of the council of the university.
“Like you rightly said, I keep telling my friends that Ekiti state has the highest PhD holders per capital in the country, our challenge as a government is how to translate that to wealth creation for the people. How to ensure that those titles solve problems for Ekiti. We must add value to the people and the state that will bring gains to the society.
“I can assure you that we will partner with you to ensure that we realize those indelible legacies that you intend to leave behind. On most of the issues you raised, especially the issue of Certificate of Occupancy, the state will take that up immediately. We will also look into the request for fencing and I will also tell you that work has already started on the road from Oye to Are Ekiti.
Earlier, the Chairman of the University Council, Senator Victor Ndoma- Egba had commended the hospitality of Ekiti people, which according to him had been the greatest impetus that had driven the university to thrive and achieve remarkable growth and development it has achieved.
Senator Ndoma-Egba also applauded Governor Oyebanji for his development strides in the health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and other sectors of the economy, which he said the Governor is doing without noise.
“Your Excellency, let me congratulate you once again. You are doing so much in Education, agriculture, infrastructure, in health and other sectors. You are doing so much with very little noise”, he added.
The Pro Chancellor stated further that during his tenure at FUOYE, he would do all within his power to stabilize the academic calendar of the university, urging the unions to allow relevant and extant laws to guide their grievance management.
Also at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Miyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr Bimpe Aderiye, Special Adviser to the Governor of Tertiary Education, Prof. Akeem Azeez , Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Yinka Oyebode as well as principal officials of the university.