The Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has solicited the support and partnership of stakeholders for the Ekiti State Government-owned university to drive its transformation.
Olanipekun described education as a collective enterprise that “thrives on the synergy of government, community, private sector and well-meaning individuals.”
He spoke in Ikere Ekiti on Saturday during the second convocation ceremony of BOUESTI, where a total of 1,645 fresh graduates were awarded degrees.
The graduands comprised 60 first class, 563 second class upper division, 854 second class lower division, and 163 third class, while outstanding students were also recognised.
Olanipekun congratulated and charged the graduates, saying, “The degrees you have received are far more than formal attestations of academic endeavour; they are sacred emblems of trust reposed in your intellect, in the discipline of your character and in your proven capability to deploy knowledge in service of society.”
The Chancellor urged stakeholders to support the institution’s growth, stressing that BOUESTI must be encouraged “not merely to survive, but to thrive.”
“May I further extend my clarion call to stakeholders, agencies, corporate bodies and friends of the university to come to our Macedonia and partner with us. Your partnership will not only sustain this institution, but will also expand its frontiers, transforming our present needs into an enduring legacy for generations to come,” he said.
Olanipekun commended Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to education, while appealing for the fulfilment of a pledge on road construction within the institution.
Speaking earlier, BOUESTI Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Dipo Aina, said the university is transitioning from foundational establishment to consolidation and expansion, noting that it has pursued transformation anchored on governance, academic strengthening, infrastructure development, and institutional renewal.
Aina acknowledged progress but said challenges remain, particularly in funding, infrastructure expansion, and institutional capacity, adding that these also present opportunities for collaboration and growth.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Omojola, said the university had recorded significant progress and was among the fastest-growing state universities in Nigeria, though student population growth had placed pressure on hostel facilities.
He appealed to the state government for urgent intervention in the provision of additional hostel accommodation, noting that it would improve student welfare and learning conditions.
Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, assured continued government support for BOUESTI, urging graduates to become job creators, innovators, and solution providers.
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