The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, the lawmaker representing Niger East, Senator Sani Musa, and two other individuals will be conferred with honorary degrees from the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa, made this announcement during a press conference ahead of the university’s maiden convocation ceremonies. He also revealed that the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu, and the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, would be honored with honorary degrees from the institution.
Professor Adeoluwa explained that the four distinguished Nigerians are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to societal development.
The VC further stated that the convocation ceremony, scheduled for March 8, 2025, would be a landmark event in the history of the university, which was established by former Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s administration in 2020.
He added that over 1,100 students are set to graduate in the inaugural convocation, with 38 graduating with first-class honors, 425 in second-class upper division, 586 in second-class lower division, and 60 in third-class honors.
Professor Adeoluwa also announced that a former Nigerian ambassador to Germany and emeritus professor of history, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, would deliver the convocation lecture.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted that the university has experienced remarkable growth in the last five years, particularly in student enrollment, which has now exceeded 18,000 students.
He also noted that the Times Higher Education ranking places the university as the 26th best in Nigeria, attributing this to its unique programs, quality teaching, and highly competent faculty.
Professor Adeoluwa commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the university’s chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, for their unwavering support, particularly the increase in subventions, which has aided the university’s progress.
“Our institution has a rich history, founded on the principles of academic excellence, innovation, and community service. Our mission is to generate, disseminate, and advance knowledge in education, science, and technology to solve the major challenges facing our society and the world in the 21st century,” he stated.
“As we stand on the threshold of this momentous occasion, I am filled with pride, gratitude, and hope. Pride in the achievements of our students, gratitude for the support of our partners. We reaffirm our commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community service and pledge to continue providing a world-class education that empowers our students to become leaders and responsible citizens,” he added.
However, the Vice Chancellor expressed concern over the university’s lack of adequate funding since its inception. He noted that the interventions from TETfund and other agencies have been crucial to the university’s infrastructure development.
“The monthly subvention from the state government is grossly inadequate for the university, especially with the large debts and aging physical structures that need maintenance,” he lamented.
Professor Adeoluwa also revealed that the university has not received capital or take-off grants from the state government, and the inherited debt from the former College of Education is proving difficult to settle, which includes unpaid staff gratuities dating back to 1993.