By Law Ibitoye
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector as a foundation for sustainable development, with emphasis on innovation, infrastructure and academic excellence.
The governor made this known at the second convocation ceremony of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti, where a total of 1,645 students graduated for the 2025 academic session.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Abibat Adubiaro, Oyebanji urged the graduating students to embrace innovation, integrity and adaptability, charging them to move beyond job-seeking to becoming job creators and solution providers.
He described education as the bedrock of any progressive society, assuring that his administration would continue to invest in institutions like BOUESTI to make them globally competitive and capable of producing skilled and morally grounded graduates, particularly in science, technology and education.
While commending the rapid growth of the university, the governor lauded the Chancellor, Wole Olanipekun, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Andrew Omojola, members of the governing council, management, staff and the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Victor Adeoluwa, for their contributions to the institution’s development. He also pledged continued government support in infrastructure, research and innovation.
Oyebanji described convocation as more than a ceremonial event, noting that it reflects years of discipline, hard work and intellectual pursuit, while congratulating parents for their sacrifices and support.
In his convocation lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, commended BOUESTI’s rapid growth, attributing it to innovation and community support. He urged the institution to deepen collaboration with relevant organisations, stressing that no institution can thrive in isolation.
Also speaking, the Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun called for stronger support from stakeholders, particularly indigenes of Ikere-Ekiti, noting that the development of the university should be a collective responsibility rather than that of government alone.
“Education thrives on the synergy of government, community, private sector and well-meaning individuals,” he said, urging increased partnership to expand the university’s capacity and impact.
Olanipekun also challenged graduates to uphold excellence, integrity and service, describing education as a vital tool for purposeful living.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Andrew Omojola, disclosed that 1,645 graduates, 60 bagged First Class honours, 563 earned Second Class Upper Division, 854 obtained Second Class Lower Division, while 168 graduated with Third Class.
He urged the graduates to be worthy ambassadors of the institution, stressing that while certificates may open doors, character remains key to sustaining success.
Highlighting achievements recorded in the past one year, Prof. Omojola listed the construction of a multi-purpose hall, establishment of a College of Postgraduate Studies, a solar-powered technology hub with 24-hour internet access, launch of the BOUESTI Academic Journal, and steps toward introducing new courses such as Law and Nursing Science.
He, however, appealed for support in addressing accommodation challenges, noting that increasing student population has overstretched available hostel facilities, forcing many students off-campus.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Prof. Dipo Aina, said the institution has recorded significant progress in academic programmes, research and innovation, with several courses fully accredited by the National Universities Commission.
He added that BOUESTI is repositioning research as a driver of societal transformation while prioritising staff development, digital transformation and institutional expansion.
The best graduating student, Adu Precious Oluwatunmise, expressed gratitude to the university for shaping her academically and morally, noting that the institution instilled in her discipline, integrity and values that would guide her future.
The event drew dignitaries from across the state and beyond, marking another milestone in the university’s steady rise as a centre of academic excellence.