Vocational and Entrepreneurial courses like procurement management ,clothing and textiles , fashion design and others in this 2ist century has made Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology Ikere Ekiti different, exceptional and relevant to proffering solutions to challenges bedeviling Nigeria.
This was the position of erudite scholars and stakeholders at the maiden convocation ceremony of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti on Saturday.
The convocation guest lecturer, Prof Akinjide Osuntokun, cautioned the federal government against the establishment of numerous universities without proper funding and planning to address current challenges.
According to the guest lecturer, the federal government continues to establish more universities without proper funding and planning for their existence, the future generations can only be secured by giving the necessary support to universities.
While advising the institution, the convocation lecturer tasked stakeholders in the state to properly fund BOUESTI, saying, relying solely on Government may not yield desired results. He however charged the institution to allow competition in the programmes they run.
On his part , the Chancellor of BOUESTI, Chief Wole Olanipekun and the vice Chancellor, Prof Victor Adeoluwa said BOUESTI was structured to combat the twenty first century challenges, saying the courses the school run make graduates self reliant and employers of labour.
Chief Wole Olanipekun called for harmonization of efforts across all stata for BOUESTI successful operation. He said ” BOUESTI needs the support of the Executive Governor Ekiti state, other stakeholders – donor agencies, parents, alumni and friends of the university . Like the rivers that nourish the earth, your contributions will sustain the growth and impact BOUESTI ,for generations to come”
Advising the graduates, Chief Olanipekun enjoined them to have confidence in themselves, saying they have been tutored to be relevant in any field they find themselves. ” I am reminded of the countless hours of hard work , dedication and perseverance that have brought you to this point. I see in each of you the same spirit of determination and resilience that has driven the university’s growth. You are not just graduates; you are pioneers , the first to flag the banner of BOUESTI to the world. You have been equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to make a difference in the world. Embrace the challenges ahead with confidence and courage, as you step into the world, carry with you the values and knowledge you have gained here. You are the torchbearers of a worthy legacy, make BOUESTI proud.” The Chancellor stated
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Speaking further, the Vice Chancellor Prof Adeoluwa who enumerated the achievements of the institution within four years of its establishment which has made the institution compete favourably with other older universities across the world. According to him, ” At the university of Rwanda, Kigali in 2022, BOUESTI was adjudged the best University of Education in Sub-Saharan Africa, The Times Higher Education, ranked BOUESTI, 26th best University in Nigeria in 2023, BOUESTI came 3rd in 2024 in the National Competition comprising all higher institutions in Nigeria, 14th position on the Medals Table at the African University Games in 2024 comprising all universities in Africa.
The VC added that 1109 graduates were turned out at the maiden convocation while 38 bagged first class, the Vice Chancellor said he was confident that the graduates would make the school proud in the labour market. He prayed that God would prosper them in their chosen careers, adding that they should see their graduation as the beginning of thirst for knowledge.
Highpoint of the convocation was conferment of honorary Doctorate Degrees awards on eminent personalities that have impacted the society. They include: HRM, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado , the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, the executive Governor of Enugu state, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa CON representing Niger East and Dr Tunji Olowolafe, a business mogul and Chancellor of Ekiti state University, Ado Ekiti.
Giving his acceptance speech, the governor of Enugu state, Dr Mbah applauded the institution for finding him worthy of the award and he pledged his support for the institution . He also, commended the Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji on his developmental programmes , especially in the areas of Education and manpower. Dr Mbah added that the worthwhile legacy to bequeath the nation was education, saying it’s the bedrock of development..