By Law Ibitoye
The Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), chief Wole Olanipekun, has raised concerns over inadequate support for the institution, calling on Ekiti state Government, stakeholders and the host community to urgently partner with the university to address its growing needs and secure its future.
Speaking at the institution’s second convocation ceremony in Ikere-Ekiti, chief Olanipekun said the university requires greater cooperation, intervention and sustained commitment from its immediate environment and well-meaning Nigerians to thrive.
He noted that although there was initial enthusiasm among indigenes and stakeholders at the take-off of the university, such support has dwindled over time, stressing that BOUESTI should not be a one man show. “Education thrives on synergy between government, community, private sector and individuals. BOUESTI is our collective project and must be supported not just to survive, but to flourish,” he said, while appealing for partnerships that would expand the institution’s capacity and impact.
The Chancellor also reminded the Ekiti State Government of its pledge to rehabilitate internal roads of the campus and provide funds for furnishing the Senate building which he built and donated to the school in 2024, describing infrastructure as critical to the university’s continued growth.
Advising the graduates, Olanipekun charged them to uphold excellence, integrity and service, describing education as a tool for purposeful living.
On accommodation challenges, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Andrew Omojola, said the rising student population has overstretched available hostel facilities, forcing many students to reside off-campus, thereby exposing them to security risks and exploitative practices by landlords. He appealed to Governor Oyebanji and well-meaning Nigerians to support the university with hostel development to address the shortfall.
Despite these challenges, Prof. Omojola disclosed that the university has recorded significant milestones, including the construction of a multi-purpose hall, establishment of a College of Postgraduate Studies, a solar-powered technology hub with 24-hour internet access, and steps toward introducing new programmes such as Law and Nursing Science among others.
The Vice-Chancellor announced that 1,645 students graduated during the ceremony, with 60 earning First-Class honours, 563 Second Class Upper Division, 854 Second Class Lower Division, and 168 Third Class.
In his address, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education as a driver of sustainable development. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Abibat Adubiaro, the governor assured that the state would continue to invest in BOUESTI to make it globally competitive and capable of producing skilled, innovative and morally grounded graduates. He urged the graduating students to embrace innovation, integrity and adaptability, encouraging them to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Also delivering the convocation lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, commended the rapid growth of BOUESTI, attributing it to innovation and community support.
He, however, stressed the need for sustained collaboration, noting that no institution can grow in isolation.
Similarly, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Prof. Dipo Aina, said the university has made notable progress in academic development and research, with several programmes accredited by the National Universities Commission.
He added that BOUESTI is repositioning research as a tool for societal transformation, while prioritising digital innovation, staff development and institutional expansion.
Speaking with Journalists, House of Representatives aspirant for Ado/ Irepodun federal Constituency, Dr. Yemi Olayinka described education as major industry in Ekiti state, advised the new graduates to embrace entrepreneurship for a secured future. According to him, Education is the way to go, it is the bedrock of development. Our graduates must not soly rely on their certificates; they should be embrace entrepreneur and be enterprising ; with this , future is secured . He said
The best graduating student, Adu Precious Oluwatunmise, expressed gratitude to the institution for instilling in her values of discipline, integrity and hard work, which she said would guide her future.
The ceremony brought together government officials, academics, traditional rulers and families, as stakeholders renewed calls for stronger collaboration to advance the university’s growth and development.