EKITI State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has charged the University of Ibadan (UI) to continue its mission of excellence and innovation, particularly in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s educational system.

He, however, acknowledged the role of the foremost university in shaping the intellectual and leadership landscape of Nigeria.

According to the governor, no one can deny the institution’s rich history of producing distinguished scholars and professionals who have contributed immensely to the country’s development and still doing so.

Oyebanji stated this during the presentation of the UI @ 75 Ambassador award on him at a brief ceremony at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to the development of education, good governance, community welfare, as well as national development.

He expressed deep gratitude to the management of the university and the entire community for the recognition, stating that it was a reflection of the collective effort of the people of Ekiti State and his administration who had given him a platform to serve.

The governor affirmed his administration’s continued support for policies aimed at boosting the quality of education, as well as strengthening collaborations with institutions of higher learning, particularly the UI, to enhance academic research, innovation, and capacity-building.
Earlier in his remarks, the vice-chancellor said the honour was in recognition of the governor’s visionary and exemplary leadership, noble character, striking accomplishments, and notable contributions to national development.

He noted that the governor’s efforts have had a positive impact on the academic community, not just in Ekiti State, but across the nation. This, he said, impressed the management of the university, leading to his choice as an ambassador.

In another development, the UI vice chancellor has urged alumni to take ownership of their alma maters in the interest of the sustainability of tertiary institutions in the country.

Adebowale, who was represented by the institution’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter Olapegba, gave the advice during the maiden edition of the Sultan Bello Hall Alumni Lecture and Award programme held at the Trenchard Hall of the institution.

The UI vice-chancellor said this became imperative as the governments, which owned state and federal universities, were no longer providing 100 per cent of costs needed for capital projects and overhead costs, leaving universities pressured to look for all means to generate funds to keep them running.

He, therefore, called on the alumni to assume the responsibility, adding that alumni ownership of tertiary institutions was even standard practice across the world.

The Sultan Bello Hall Warden, Dr Oyediran Oyebola, who spoke on the occasion, stressed that alumni are strong pillars for the sustainable development of any institution.

Also, an alumnus of the Hall and CEO of Aradel Holdings Plc, Adegbite Falade, who delivered the guest lecture, titled “Career Progression from School to Town: Life in University as a Foundation for Success,” enjoined students not to downplay the principles of hard work, discipline, focus, tenacity, resilience, and building their networks.

He tasked the students with having a solution mindset, not despising days of small beginnings, and seeing opportunities in whatever venture they are into.