Victor Akinkuolie Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has commended the Governing Council of Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) for developing the university to enviable heights within 11 years of its establishment.
Governor Oyebanji made this statement while receiving members of the Governing Council of the university, led by its chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof.Abayomi Fasina, at the Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti on Monday.
The Governor also praised the institution for championing academic excellence among over 280 public universities in the country.
The Governor emphasized that there is no doubt that FUOYE, under the leadership of Senator Ndoma-Egba, will continue to soar higher.
He expressed his admiration for the accomplishments of the institution’s staff and students, particularly in the areas of academic excellence and research.
Governor Oyebanji further stated that the state government would continue to support the university in its infrastructure development efforts, aimed at repositioning the institution as one of the leading higher learning establishments.
Discussing the education policy of his administration, the Governor mentioned that his government would continue to leverage the state’s comparative advantage in education for wealth creation, in line with the administration’s shared prosperity agenda.
He highlighted the substantial investment in learning facilities across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in the state.
He also commended Senator Ndoma-Egba for his valuable contributions during his tenure in the National Assembly, as well as his exceptional contributions to national development as a distinguished lawyer, politician, and public servant.
“When you were in the Seventh Senate, you were one of the few senators I took special interest in because of the richness of your contributions on the floor of the Senate and the kind of leadership you demonstrated. You remain a leader I have the utmost respect for.
“I must congratulate FUOYE for having you as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council. I must also thank the President for appointing a fit and proper person to chair the university’s council.
“Like you rightly said, I often tell my friends that Ekiti State has the highest number of PhD holders per capita in the country.
Our challenge as a government is how to translate that into wealth creation for the people. How do we ensure that these titles solve problems for Ekiti? We must add value to the people and the state in a way that benefits society.
“I can assure you that we will partner with you to ensure that we realize the indelible legacies you intend to leave behind. Regarding the issues you raised, especially the Certificate of Occupancy matter, the state will take it up immediately.
We will also address the request for fencing, and I must inform you that work has already commenced on the road from Oye to Are Ekiti.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the University Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, had commended the hospitality of Ekiti people, which he credited as the greatest driving force behind the university’s remarkable growth and development.
Senator Ndoma-Egba also praised Governor Oyebanji for his development strides in the health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and other sectors of the economy, noting that the Governor is achieving these feats without fanfare.
“Your Excellency, let me congratulate you once again. You are making significant strides in education, agriculture, infrastructure, health, and other sectors. You are achieving so much with very little noise,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor further stated that during his tenure at FUOYE, he would do everything in his power to stabilize the university’s academic calendar, urging the unions to allow relevant and existing laws to guide their grievance management.
Also present at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Miyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr. Bimpe Aderiye; Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education, Prof. Akeem Azeez; Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr. Yinka Oyebode; as well as principal officials from the university.