Encomiums have continued to pour in for the Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Professor Olayemi Oyebanji, following her elevation to the rank of professor, with political associates, government officials, professional bodies and women’s groups describing the achievement as a testament to her commitment to academic excellence.
The First Lady’s office in Ado-Ekiti has witnessed a stream of congratulatory visits from individuals and groups eager to celebrate the milestone, which they described as a well-deserved recognition of years of dedication to teaching, research and scholarship.
Among those who visited the First Lady were female members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, members of the immediate past State Executive Council and the state Head of Service, Dr. Folake Olomojobi.
Representatives of various women’s groups, professional associations and other well-wishers also joined in celebrating the academic feat, expressing admiration for Professor Oyebanji’s perseverance and achievement in the education sector.
The visitors commended the First Lady for combining her public responsibilities with an accomplished academic career, describing her elevation as an inspiration to young scholars, particularly women striving to attain the highest levels of academic excellence.
Responding to the outpouring of goodwill, Professor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the visitors for their prayers, support and show of affection, saying she was overwhelmed by the warmth and enthusiasm with which they celebrated her achievement.
She described the congratulatory visits as a demonstration of love and solidarity, adding that the support she had received meant a great deal to her.
Reflecting on her journey to professorship, the First Lady, a lecturer in the Department of Educational Management at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, said the accomplishment was the product of years of rigorous academic engagement, research, perseverance and unwavering dedication to her profession.
The don, also described the University of Ibadan as Nigeria’s premier university, attributed her achievement to the grace and favour of God, stressing that divine intervention had played a significant role in her academic journey.
Professor Oyebanji urged young academics, especially women, to remain committed to their aspirations despite the challenges they might encounter along the way.
She encouraged them to pursue knowledge, maintain high standards of excellence and remain steadfast in their determination to succeed, she assured them that perseverance and dedication could open doors to greater accomplishments.
The First Lady’s elevation to professorship has continued to attract goodwill from across political, professional and social circles, with many who described the achievement as a source of pride and encouragement to the academic community and aspiring female scholars.
