Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has praised Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, for its long-standing reputation for excellence in academics, research, and infrastructure, as well as its significant contributions to education and national development.

Governor Oyebanji gave the commendation in Ado-Ekiti while receiving members of the university’s Governing Council, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso.

He emphasised that OAU has consistently upheld its tradition of academic excellence since its establishment decades ago.

The Governor highlighted the university’s role in nation-building, noting that it has produced exemplary leaders who have excelled in various sectors of the country’s economy.

In  a  statement released by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode,  the governor  commended the Pro-Chancellor and the institution’s management for their dedication to preserving the institution’s legacy.

He also called on stakeholders, including alumni, corporate bodies, and government agencies to support OAU’s development agenda.

He stressed that such collaboration would help sustain the university’s reputation as a leader in education and research.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, stated that the visit was to appreciate the governor for his remarkable contributions to the education sector.

 He acknowledged that the governor’s efforts have led to significant improvements in infrastructure, teachers’ welfare, and students performance in Ekiti State, setting a benchmark for other states and fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation.

Prof. Oyeweso urged the governor to extend similar support to OAU, emphasising that the university would greatly benefit from enhanced collaboration with the state, particularly in areas such as funding, infrastructure and research development.

He noted that such support would further solidify OAU’s position as a leading university in Nigeria and beyond.

Also present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr. Adebimpe Aderiye; Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof. Akeem Azeez and Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode.

The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, was also part of the delegation, along with other top officials of the university.