Following public criticism of increasing cases of first class degrees in the nations universities, Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, Prof Edward Olanipekun, has clarified that such degrees are based on merit and not trade by barter.
The Professor of Industrial Chemistry also declared that EKSU has done creditably well in promoting scholarship in the last 40 years of its establishment.
Olanipekun said the fact that EKSU was ranked third among the 60 state universities in the country by Webometrics attested to the fact that the institution’s management had worked hard to make the citadel of learning impact positively on scholarship.
The vice chancellor spoke at the unveiling of the Logo for the 40th year celebration of the institution.
Olanipekun, while speaking about the growing number of first class degrees said it is earned by merit.
“Whoever gets it must have worked for it and it is not trade by barter. It is a matter of getting what you have worked for,” he said.
Applauding the giant steps taken by EKSU in the last four decades, the VC said: “This university has been outstanding in performances in the last 40 years. On webometrics ranking done recently, EKSU was ranked third out of 60 state universities in Nigeria.
“EKSU was also ranked 16th out of over 200 federal, state and private universities in Nigeria. It was 114 about two years ago. That we have been able to push it forward to this level in two years showed that we have worked hard and made sacrifices.
“Our vision is to make this university one of the best in Nigeria, if not the best, at least, one of the best 10 in the country,” the VC said.
On strides made by EKSU to improve scholarship and delivery, the VC said: “Let me tell you that graduating students can now collect their certificates and transcripts immediately after convocation.”
Having a retrospect of how the institution was established in 1982 as Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) before being changed to Ondo State University, University of Ado Ekiti and now EKSU in that sequence, Olanipekun appreciated those who had made sacrifices for the citadel of learning to stand as a reliable training ground for Nigerians.
On the significance of the unveiling of the Logo, the vice chancellor said: “You will agree with me that this celebration is worth it, going by the impressively outstanding performances of our university in the last 40 years among the comity of institutions.
“This is coupled with unequalled stunning performances of our alumni across the globe, in their various fields. Hence, I humbly seek your support, encouragement and understanding in making the anniversary a success.”
On the fate of students who were scammed through internet fraud via uncertified cyber cafe while paying school fees, the vice chancellor said they would have to repay, as the university will not write it off.
Olanipekun clarified that the university has a centralised portal through which it collects monies payable by students, saying anyone who circumvents that channel would automatically bear the brunt.
