Governor Oyebanji Pledges Ongoing Funding for Ekiti Education Upliftment

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has reaffirmed his administration's dedication to bolstering the education landscape within the state. This commitment, he stated, will be actualized through continuous financial injection into infrastructure, the development of human resources, and enhancing institutional capabilities. During his address, Oyebanji urged various stakeholders, including philanthropists and other concerned citizens across Ekiti, to collaborate with the government by contributing to the ongoing advancement of the educational sector.

These remarks were delivered on Saturday by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, who represented the governor at the joint convocation ceremony held at the Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH) in Ijero-Ekiti. The event saw 5,742 graduands formally awarded their National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates. Governor Oyebanji further assured EKSCOTECH and all other state-owned tertiary institutions of unwavering government backing during his second term, aiming to ensure their efficient operation and the provision of high-quality education.

While extending his felicitations to the graduating students, Oyebanji tasked the institution's management with maintaining its current progress. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the new polytechnic status of EKSCOTECH leads to enhanced training and brighter prospects for both current students and future alumni. Reiterating his administration's core objective, he quoted, “Our administration remains committed to strengthening the state’s education sector through sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital development and institutional capacity.”

He highlighted the significance of EKSCOTECH's upgrade from its former status to a full-fledged polytechnic, calling it a crucial stride towards broadening access to technical and vocational education throughout Ekiti State. The governor also extended his commendation, stating, “Let me commend the Governing Council and management of this institution for their efforts in repositioning the polytechnic and creating an environment capable of supporting academic and professional development.”

It is pertinent to recall that EKSCOTECH recently underwent a transition to full polytechnic status, accompanied by an expansion of its academic programmes. Furthermore, the institution has successfully obtained accreditation for several new courses from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Femi Thomas, Chairman of the Governing Council, characterized the college's recent transformation as the outcome of a concerted drive to re-establish stability, reinforce its foundational structures, and finalize its long-anticipated conversion into a polytechnic. Dr. Thomas recounted that prior to the inauguration of the current council, Governor Oyebanji had voiced his apprehension regarding the difficulties facing the institution and subsequently mandated the council to reinstate order and strategically reposition it for future growth.

He affirmed, “The council subsequently worked towards completing the institution’s transmutation, which culminated in recognition as a full-fledged polytechnic and accreditation by the NBTE.” He added that this significant development has unlocked various new avenues for the institution, such as eligibility for TETFund support, recognition by JAMB, and the opportunity for graduates of eligible programmes to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

However, Dr. Thomas also highlighted some pressing requirements for the polytechnic, including a demand for increased government subvention. He noted the need for more lecturers, enhanced infrastructure, and other essential facilities to support the ongoing expansion. Among the institution's top priorities, he enumerated the development of the permanent South Campus, the construction of new academic blocks—featuring facilities for the School of Engineering, a library, and laboratories—and various other essential amenities.

Meanwhile, Dr. Olufemi Olubamise, the Rector of EKSCOTECH, remarked on the profound importance of the combined convocation. He explained that it served to unite graduands from multiple academic sessions whose convocation ceremonies had previously been deferred. Dr. Olubamise gave assurances that, in line with standard practice in higher education institutions, the convocation ceremony would now be conducted annually.