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  • Ekiti varsity alumni inducts Oyebanji, Speaker, others into Hall of Fame

    Ekiti varsity alumni inducts Oyebanji, Speaker, others into Hall of Fame

    The Ekiti State University (EKSU) Alumni Association has inducted Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, and several personalities into its Hall of Fame.

    Other personalities inducted into the Hall of Fame include Dr. Soji Ehinlawo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ekiti State; Yinka Oyebode, Chairman of the EKSU Alumni Board of Trustees; Dr. Kingsley Kuku, Mr. Akinsanmi Falaki; Dr. (Chief) Omotayo Alle; and Tope Adebayo, among others.

    The recognition formed part of activities marking the Association’s 12th Global Convention held at the university campus in Ado-Ekiti, which brought together members from across the world for two days of deliberations, reunions, and celebration of excellence.

    Read Also: Oyebanji’s three years of shared prosperity

    The event, described as one of the most successful conventions in the Alumni Association’s history, also featured the formal signing of the newly reviewed constitution by the Global President, Ambassador Seyi Idowu, alongside the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the Legal Adviser.

    In his welcome address, Ambassador Idowu expressed delight at the large turnout of members and dignitaries, noting that the gathering underscored the strong bond that binds EKSU alumni across generations.

    The global President urged members to continue supporting the Association’s developmental initiatives and to remain active partners in strengthening the university’s global reputation.

    The convention attracted notable guests, including the Chancellor of the university, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe; Vice Chancellor, Professor Babatola Joseph Ayodele; and His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, among others.

  • Oyebanji receive EKSU alumni, donates bus, pledges support

    Oyebanji receive EKSU alumni, donates bus, pledges support

    Governor Abiodun Oyebanji has received the newly inaugurated Global President of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Alumni Association, Amb. Seyi Idowu with his team during a courtesy visit at his office.

    The Governor expressed gratitude for the alumni association’s unwavering support throughout his election campaign and commended Engr. Dipo Bamisaye for his contributions.

    He reaffirmed confidence in the leadership abilities of the new Global President and pledged his full support for all the outlined initiatives. 

    He assured the association of his commitment to the professorial visits and mentorship program and even expressed his personal readiness to participate in mentoring the undergraduates.

    Oyebanji in response to the request for a new bus by EKSU alumni pledged to personally procure the vehicle immediately to facilitate the smooth running of the alumni association. 

    He also assured his full backing for the proposed construction of an Alumni Centre, reinforcing his dedication to the advancement of the university and its alumni network.

    Oyebanji further emphasised that Ekiti State University currently boasts of a strong management team, a competent council, an excellent Vice Chancellor, and a vibrant alumni body, a combination that has earned EKSU the title of the Best State University in Nigeria.

    He also revealed that an anonymous alumnus is financing the construction of a faculty building while the Ekiti State Government has finalised plans to construct the Faculty of Pharmacy in the university.

    Idowu expressed gratitude to God for the privilege to serve in this capacity, thanking Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to good governance in Ekiti State and lauded Asiwaju Adetuberu for his exemplary leadership within the alumni association over the years.

    The Global President also recognised contributions of his predecessor, Engineer Dipo Bamisaye, for his dedication and the milestones achieved during his tenure as the immediate past Global President.

    Taking a trip down memory lane, the Global President highlighted the Governor’s significant role in the creation of Ekiti State, noting that Governor Oyebanji, as the youngest and secretary of the committee that worked for the creation of Ekiti State, had now risen to lead the state as its Governor, a testimony of dedication and service.

    The President acknowledged the ongoing reconstruction of the House of Assembly complex, emphasizing the pride in having an alumnus as the Speaker of the House. 

    He also appreciated the Governor for appointing several alumni members to key positions in his administration.

    Read Also: Oyebanji grants state pardon to 31 inmates in Ekiti

    While assuring the Governor of the alumni association’s commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders in advancing the digitization of the University, Ambassador Idowu commended the Governor for being a worthy ambassador of the institution.

    He reiterated the alumni body’s resolve to support the administration’s development agenda.

    The Global President outlined the strategic initiatives of the new alumni leadership, which include digitization of transcript processing to ensure efficiency and ease of access for graduates, and Professorial visits and mentorship programs for undergraduates to enhance academic excellence and career development.

    Others are: joint award of degrees in Artificial Intelligence through a partnership between a UK-based university and EKSU, expansion of Prize Endowment programs, with an emphasis on increasing capital investment to drive innovation and research within the university.

    The meeting was a testament to the strong ties between the Ekiti State Government and the alumni body, signaling a renewed commitment to the growth and progress of Ekiti State University.

  • EKSU Alumni chairman seeks support for tertiary education

    EKSU Alumni chairman seeks support for tertiary education

    The Chairman, Ekiti State University Ado-Ekiti, (EKSU) Alumni Association, Ekiti chapter and the Global Public Relations Officer, Adetunji Aribasoye

    has urged alumni in various tertiary institutions to play their roles in ensuring University education is improved upon in Nigeria.

    He said there is need for alumni of tertiary institutions across the nation to join hands with government towards development their alma mater.

    Speaking at the alumni association’s 2025 Annual Lecture and Awards Programme, Aribasoye stated that will enhance growth of the institution as government alone cannot do it.

    According to him, government alone cannot successfully fund tertiary institutions. 

    He said through the assistance of alumni associations, well-to-do individuals and corporate organisations, more funds could be available to tertiary institutions to meet their needs and ensure quality education is delivered”.

    Realing out impact of EKSU alumni on the University, he said: “From what we heard from our global president, Amb. Seyi Idowu and our immediate past president, Engr. Dipo Bamisaye, we discovered that EKSU Alumni for example has played a significant role in developing our great alma mater.

    “Part of what we did as a body was to sort and look around for individuals with capacity to help, and that was why we were able to get, our own Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and other proud Alumni that have done well for the institution. 

    “Building a medical hostel, the asphalt laying of EKSU village to the medical school and of course to the campus among many other things that were done. We also have the construction of the second phase of the hostel for the medical students too which we hope will be increased to a thousand one day and a whole lot of programmes we have experienced within the university because of the activities of the alumni association.

    “Talking about our endowment fund, every year we raise well over 20 million naira to encourage, appreciate and award deserving students who are doing well in their academics. This year too, the committee, ably led by Dr. Soji Ehinlanwo also did well by raising enough funds for this particular programme.

    “The EKSU alumni facilitated a company currently partnering with the Ekiti  state government and the department of Agriculture of the institution to train, set up farm, agro processing plant to create jobs even for students while still on campus. All of these were facilitated by EKSU Alumni Association”.

    While delivering the annual lecture titled: “Navigating harsh economic downtown: Interrogating the interplay of food security and insecurity on agricultural processes and citizens”, Prof. Olawumi Fapohunda said:”We tried to interrogate Ekiti State government huge investment in agriculture and its impact through the lecture topic which borders on agriculture.To see how the Alumni can also play a part in it”.

    On the awards, he said distinguished members of the chapter, the national body and members of the public were also identified for the awards.

    “We discovered they were doing so well for our alma mater and the society. Awards were presented to 29 deserving individuals including Governor Biodun Oyebanji, ably represented by his  Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Professor Azeez.

    “The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, received outstanding service leadership award, Commissioner for Trade and Investment Mrs Omotayo Adeola, the EKSU Alumni global president, current and immediate past president were also in attendance to receive award and other eminent individuals within the society.

    Read Also: EKSU Alumni urges FG on effective monitoring of agriculture funds

    “We have people from the academics , the banking sector even the governor’s wife , Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji for her impact in advocacy for gender equality and equal right for all” .

    In his keynote address, the immediate past global president of the association, Engr. Dipo Bamisaye said the body  is

    aimed at fostering connections and engagement among members and between the institution and its alumni.

    He added that the association had over the years played a pivotal role in the academic, economic, infrastructural development and sustainability of its alma mater throughout the world.

    He however said there is need for people to underscore vital functions of Alumni Association to her members and its related institution such as networking for self-reliance, fundraising for needy members, fundraising for Institution, needy students and best minds.

  • EKSU Alumni urges FG on effective monitoring of agriculture funds

    EKSU Alumni urges FG on effective monitoring of agriculture funds

    The Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, Alumni Association, Ekiti state chapter, has urged the federal government to effectively monitor and evaluation for funds being spent on the agriculture sector in Nigeria.

    The Alumni, while commending Ekiti state government and EKSU’s involvement in agricultural activities in the state to boost food security and sustenance said such quality services if properly maintained would also improve its economy towards attaining the shared prosperity agenda of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji.

    Speaking at a press conference organized by the alumni association ahead of its annual lecture and award ceremony scheduled to be held on the 31st March 2025, EKSU Alumni Association, Ekiti State chapter chairman, Adetunji Aribasoye said the present federal government seems to be deliberate in investing in agriculture for real farmers, adding that this will help the nation in attaining food security and sustenance.

    He said, “I know the federal government is doing a lot across the country to boost agriculture by investing heavily in the sector. A lot of funding is already in place for farmers. I am aware the first batch of 2000 tractors has been brought into the country to be given to farmers free of charge, according to the information I heard and through the National Agricultural Development Fund also, a lot is happening.

    “But I still want to advise the federal government to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation process to ensure that every Kobo that goes into agriculture is monitored and make sure that we have quality service delivery in this regard.

    “So that all real farmers and young people that are interested in going into agriculture can truly get involved and have access to these things. This can only be achieved through serious, robust monitoring and evaluation”.

    Highlighting numerous achievements of the Alumni Association, which was inaugurated in September 2023, Aribasoye said the association has recorded breakthroughs in driving huge membership, constitution of a multipurpose cooperative society which in its first three months has generated income of over 11 million in the account, and plan to build chalets at the Alumni village to commence after the events among others.

    On what the State, EKSU, and the Alumni Association are doing to boost food security, Aribasoye said 10 hectares of land was given to the association by the University to farm and the government assisted in the land opening process.

    “The land was allocated to interested members. We grow maize, cassava and other food crops”.

    He stated that 5000 hectares of land was allocated by the University during the launch of a partnership between the state government and an agriculture firm to have a community of farmers within the University community.

    “It is to empower students studying agriculture to be part of the process. An acre of land goes to each of the students to farm with inputs given to them while the produce is bought from them after harvest. The expanse of land is being given to a group of people and cleared by the government for farming. The university is also bringing technology into agricultural processes with what the Alumni is doing, for food security to be assured in Ekiti state”.

    Aribasoye, however, said this year’s annual lecture of the association will focus on “Navigating the harsh economic downturn, interrogating the interplay of food security and insecurity of agricultural processes and citizens”.

    Read Also: EKSU claim bronze at MOB Unity Cup Championship

    He noted that the lecture would be delivered by the Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, EKSU,

    Prof. Olawumi Fapohunda, while the keynote address titled: “Engaging the Alumni Community for Civic Engagement: Bridging the Gap between Higher Education, Political Engagement and Community Security for Shared Prosperity” will be delivered by the EKSU Alumni Association global President, Engr. Dipo Bamisaye.

    “The awards segment will recognize alumni members and deserving members of the public who have excelled in their various fields and have had positive impacts on the University, Alumni association, and Society at large.

    “Among those to be awarded at the event are Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who will be receiving, “The Leadership and Good Governance Award”, EKSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, and the Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade among others”.

    He urged all members to support and attend the event as an affirmation of their commitment to advancing the values and vision of EKSU.

  • Gruesome murder of former EKSU deputy VC tragic, disturbing — EEI

    Gruesome murder of former EKSU deputy VC tragic, disturbing — EEI

    The Empower Ekiti Initiative (EEI) has expressed shock over the tragic murder of the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Olaofe.

    The initiative extolled the late Don who was kidnapped and later murdered for dedicating his life to education and public service.

    It lamented that his untimely death represents a grave loss to our academic community and society at large.

    The statement said: “In recent months, Ekiti State has been plagued by escalating insecurity and a disturbing loss of lives. The brutal nature of Prof. Olaofe’s kidnapping and murder is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing these growing security challenges.

    “We vehemently condemn this abhorrent act of violence and extend our heartfelt condolences to Prof. Olaofe’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those who were touched by his remarkable contributions. His legacy of scholarly excellence and commitment to societal advancement will forever be remembered and honoured.

    “In response to this tragic event, we make the following urgent recommendations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the State Government to address the escalating violence and enhance public safety: Strengthening Law Enforcement: Allocate additional resources and support to law enforcement agencies to bolster their effectiveness and ensure a rapid and robust response to criminal activities, including kidnapping and murder.

    Read Also: I want to leave a world-class varsity, says EKSU VC

    “Enhancing Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering: Invest in state-of-the-art surveillance technologies and intelligence systems to better monitor and prevent potential threats, ensuring timely intervention in cases of violence and abductions.

    “Promoting Community Policing and Engagement: Develop and implement community policing strategies that encourage collaboration between law enforcement and local communities, fostering trust and cooperation in the fight against crime.

    “Ensuring Accountability and Justice: Commit to a transparent and rigorous investigation into Prof. Olaofe’s kidnapping and murder, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and that the rule of law is upheld.

    “Supporting Victims and Families: Provide comprehensive support services for the families affected by violent crimes, including counselling, legal assistance, and protection measures.

    “Implementing Preventive Measures: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on crime prevention and the importance of reporting suspicious activities, fostering a culture of vigilance and community responsibility.

    “Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration: Facilitate better coordination and information sharing among various security agencies to enhance overall effectiveness and efficiency in addressing security challenges, particularly those involving kidnappings and violent crimes.

    “The safety and well-being of our citizens are of paramount importance, and Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the State Government must take immediate and decisive action to address the root causes of violence and ensure a secure environment for all.

    “We call upon all stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and the public, to unite in this critical effort to restore peace and security in Ekiti State.”

  • Ex-minister Adelusi-Adeluyi gets EKSU’s honorary doctorate

    Ex-minister Adelusi-Adeluyi gets EKSU’s honorary doctorate

    The Ekiti State University (EKSU) has selected leading pharmacist and former Minister of Health and Human Resources, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, for the conferment of honourary Doctorate of Law (Honoris Causa) during the forthcoming convocation ceremony of the university.

    A letter by EKSU’s Registrar, who is also the Secretary to the Governing Council, Ife Oluwole, said the ceremony will hold on April 4 at the university’s auditorium.

    Read Also: Rivers residents jubilate as police kill notorious cult leader

    Oluwole also said the award is in recognition of Adelusi-Adeluyi’s “contribution to the development of the university, Nigeria, and the international community”.

    A pharmacist and lawyer, Adelusi-Adeluyi is the founder and Chairman of Juli Pharmacy Plc, the first indigenous company to be quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

    Adelusi-Adeluyi is also a philanthropist currently serving as the Chairman of the MTN Foundation.

  • Ekiti varsity VC seeks increased funding for varsities

    Ekiti varsity VC seeks increased funding for varsities

    The Vice Chancellor of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Edward Olanipekun has called on government to increase funding for the universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.

    Olanipekun, who made the appeals while addressing journalists, lamented that the country’s institutions are being faced with protracted financial challenges, which has continued to affect their operations.

    He said Nigeria with its increasing population needs more universities in order to meet up with the number candidates who apply for University education on yearly basis.

    Read Also; Confusion as sacked Plateau legislators vow to retake seats

    Olanipekun said, “As I speak, we don’t have enough tertiary institutions in the country to accommodate teeming applicants who are craving for university education. Looking at the available statistics, less than 10 percent of students writing UTME yearly are lucky to secure admission into the available ones.

    “I think establishing universities is good but funding them is something that is germane. And that has been a recurring issue that is leading to an imbroglio between the government and the staff unions. This is an issue that the government has to look into seriously…

    “It will be nice having almost all students residing on the campus. There is a dearth of infrastructure in the available universities and having more is not a problem but they must be well funded. Conscious efforts must be made by governments to fund education, especially at the tertiary level.” The VC said.

  • EKSU Alumni Association holds reunion

    EKSU Alumni Association holds reunion

    Members of the Ondo State University (now Ekiti State University) Alumni Association, 1994/95 set, will converge on Akure, Ondo State capital, for their biennial reunion tomorrow.

    The set operates under the name: ‘EX-OSUITES 1994/95 SET.’

    The Alumni President, Mr. Ayodele Akinyemi, will welcome members and other invited guests. The theme of the lecture is: ‘Democracy and Economy in Nigeria: Problems, benefits and way forward.’

    The guest lecturers are Prof. Afolabi Popoola of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, a former provost, Ekiti State College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti and Prof. Femi Mimiko, former Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba-Akoko, who now teaches at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

    The chairman of the occasion is Olayato Aribo, banker, businessman and Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry in Ondo State.

    A statement by the Chairman, Planning Committee, Banji Bada, a lawyer, and Secretary, Mr. Sylvester Baale, said the lecture billed for Tayville Academy, beside Sunshine School premises, Sunshine Hotel, Ilekun, Oda Road, Akure, will kick off at 10am.

    Read Also: EKSU Alumni Association holds reunion

    The two eminent scholars and guest lecturers taught many of the old students at the Faculties of Education and Social Sciences between 1990 and 1995.

    The proposed ‘Class Reunion’ trailed two previous reunions held in Lagos in 2021 and Ado Ekiti in 2019. Personalities across Nigeria and outside the country will be guests of honour.

    At the ceremony, awards will be presented to Interior Minister, Bunmi Tunji Ojo, Olayato Aribo, Prof. Popoola, Prof. Mimiko, Mr. Obayelu  Olatunde, Gboyega Adegbenro, an engineer; Mathew Oyerinmade, Chief Emmanuel Afolayan, Mrs. Falua Taiwo, Mr. Moyosola Niran-Oladunni, Mr. James Alade, Mr. Babatunde Omoyele and Chief Alabi Alaba.

    The set has produced many professors, professionals and successful businessmen, who are doing well in their chosen careers.

  • EKSU Alumni Association holds reunion

    EKSU Alumni Association holds reunion

    Members of the Ondo State University (now Ekiti State University) Alumni Association, 1994/95 set, will converge on Akure, Ondo State capital, for their biennial reunion on October 28.

    The set operates under the name: ‘EX-OSUITES 1994/95 SET.’ The Alumni President, Mr. Ayodele Akinyemi, welcomes members and other invited guests. The theme of the lecture is: ‘Democracy and Economy in Nigeria: Problems, benefits and way forward.’

    The guest lecturers are Prof. Afolabi Popoola of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, a former provost, Ekiti State College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti and Prof. Femi Mimiko, former vice chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba-Akoko, who now teaches at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. 

    The chairman of the occasion is Olayato Aribo.  A statement by the Chairman, Planning Committee, Banji Bada, a lawyer, and Secretary, Mr. Sylvester Baale, said the lecture billed for Sunshine School premises, beside Sunshine Hotel, Ilekun, Oda Road, Akure, will kick off at 10am. 

    Read Also: EKSU alumni association tasks govt on tertiary education

    The two eminent scholars and guest lecturers taught many of the old students at the Faculties of Education and Social Sciences between 1990 and 1995. 

    The proposed ‘Class Reunion’ trailed two previous reunion held in Lagos in 2021 and Ado Ekiti in 2019. Personalities across Nigeria and outside the country will be guests of honour.

    At the ceremony, awards will be presented to Prof. Popoola, Prof. Mimiko, Olayato Aribo, Obayelu Olatunde, Gboyega Adegbenro, an engineer; Mathew Oyerinmade, Chief Emmanuel Afolayan, Mrs. Falun Taiwan and Mr. James Alade.

    The set has produced many professors, professionals and successful businessmen, who are doing well in their fields.

  • EKSU alumni association tasks govt on tertiary education

    EKSU alumni association tasks govt on tertiary education

    Governments and higher institutions’  old students associations have been urged to lead the way in addressing various challenges confronting tertiary education in the country.

    The new Chairman of Ekiti State University, (EKSU) Alumni Association, Ekiti State chapter, Pastor Adetunji Aribasoye identified inadequate funding and infrastructure as major challenges of the sector.

    Aribasoye spoke recently in Ado Ekiti during the inauguration of the new 15-member executives of the association led by him.

     He said: ”The challenges of tertiary education and education generally in Nigeria are there and they have always been there, but the present generation seem to be a lot different from ours.

     “Government at all levels should play their parts through adequate funding of education.  This cannot be overemphasized. No society can grow beyond the knowledge of its leaders and population. So there is need for the Alumni associations and the government to hollistically put funds into the educational sector and activities and ensure that facilities are made available in the institutions for effective and efficient running of the system”.

    Read Also: Tinubu heads to New York Sunday for UN General Assembly

    The EKSU Alumni chair who canvassed for a serious state and national summit on education to be convoked, especially for  tertiary education charged  members of various universities Alumni associations to always encourage  the younger generations and make education attractive to them.

    “We are already in discussion with the university management, the Vice Chancellor,  Prof Edward Olanipekun  to see how to move the body forward.

    “Also, the global body of the association, ably led by Engr Dipo Bamisaye has done a lot they offered a lot of supports to members and are willing to do more.  Thankfully, governor Biodun Oyebanji is also a member, he is the number one member in Ekiti state we are talking to him already for support,”

    The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye who is also a graduate of the institution urged the new excos to do their best to move the association forward and to the greater heights.