Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has called on all state-owned universities in the state to ensure a stable and predictable academic calendar, describing it as a critical measure to improve the quality of education and restore public confidence in the tertiary education system.
Governor Oyebanji made the charge on Monday during a courtesy visit by the senior management of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), led by the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Babatunde Omojola, at the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti.
The Governor observed that frequent disruptions to academic activities undermine students’ learning outcomes and place unnecessary burdens on both students and their parents. According to him, maintaining a stable academic calendar enhances academic excellence and strengthens the institution’s reputation, making it more attractive to prospective students, researchers, and development partners.
“Education remains central to my administration’s development agenda. A stable academic calendar is not just a procedural requirement; it is an investment in the future of our students and the growth of our institutions,” Governor Oyebanji said, stressing the need for proactive conflict resolution mechanisms.
Dialogue and Cooperation: Key to Avoiding Disruptions
Governor Oyebanji urged university managements, staff, union leaders, and governing councils to embrace dialogue and preventive strategies to avert avoidable strikes and prolonged closures, which he noted have historically impacted students negatively.
He specifically commended BOUESTI for its rising profile as one of the fastest-growing state-owned universities in the country, attributing the institution’s success to its commitment to maintaining a stable academic calendar. “Students know that when they come to BOUESTI, they will spend four years for a four-year course and five years for a five-year course. That stability is what attracts them,” he said.
The Governor also congratulated Professor Omojola on his appointment as the second substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university, noting that the appointment was strictly merit-based. He expressed confidence in the Vice-Chancellor’s ability to consolidate existing achievements while strengthening academic excellence, institutional capacity, and global competitiveness.
Sustaining Progress and Global Competitiveness
Governor Oyebanji assured that his administration would continue to invest in infrastructure, staff welfare, and institutional reforms aimed at making state universities globally competitive. “Let me use this opportunity to express my gratitude to the management staff, the unions, and students for maintaining a peaceful and conducive environment. This stability is key to the university’s growth, and I urge that this tradition remains unbroken,” he said.
New Vice-Chancellor’s Vision
In his remarks, Professor Omojola expressed profound appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for the appointment and acknowledged the administration’s support as foundational to the university’s achievements.
Highlighting his agenda for BOUESTI, Professor Omojola revealed his vision to see the university ranked among the top ten universities in Nigeria, within the top 100 in Africa, and among the top 1,000 universities globally. He emphasised that this ambition would be achieved through sustained academic excellence, research innovation, and institutional stability.
“This is my first meeting with the Governor after my appointment, and I am deeply encouraged by the level of support and commitment from the state government. Our goal is to build on the successes of our predecessors while charting a path toward national and international recognition,” Professor Omojola said.
Attendance and Support
Also present at the meeting were Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye; Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Professor Akeem Azeez; Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode; and other top government officials.
Governor Oyebanji’s directive underscores a broader commitment by the Ekiti State government to strengthen the quality of education across its tertiary institutions, fostering stability, accountability, and global competitiveness.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News www.akahinews.org
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