The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has emphasized the importance of universities in Nigeria producing graduates equipped with the skills and mindset to address the country’s pressing challenges effectively.
Governor Oyebanji called on universities to prioritize research efforts aimed at tackling critical national issues and to produce graduates who can offer innovative solutions to drive sustainable development.
Speaking on Saturday during the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, the governor commended the institution for its significant achievements. A total of 6,563 students graduated, including 114 First Class, 2,762 Second Class Upper, 2,793 Second Class Lower, 688 Third Class, 163 Master’s, 36 Ph.D., and seven Post Graduate Diploma recipients.
During the ceremony, the university conferred honorary doctorates on distinguished individuals, including Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Doctor of Public Law), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance Senator Solomon Adeola (Doctor of Accounting), and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy Yusuf Gagdi (Doctor of Political Science).
Governor Oyebanji urged universities to update their curricula to emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship, fostering graduates who can offer solutions to national challenges.
He praised FUOYE for its remarkable growth and scholarship quality, urging graduates to leverage their education to contribute positively to society. Oyebanji also called for increased emphasis on research, emphasizing the need for graduates to become solution providers to address the nation’s challenges.
Senator Bamidele, speaking on behalf of the honorees, expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the commitment to excellence and dedication to their respective fields.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, outlined the institution’s future vision, including infrastructure development and academic enhancement, underscoring the commitment to realize the full potential of FUOYE. Plans include the construction of the Senate Building, a Renewable Independent Power Station, a Pavilion at the University Sports Centre, and an academic building for lecturers’ offices.
