The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has praised Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for his unwavering commitment to education as a tool for societal transformation. Speaking at the 29th Convocation Ceremony of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, on Saturday, Akpabio highlighted the administration’s significant investment in education, which he described as a strategic approach to securing the future of young people and reducing crime in the state.
Senator Akpabio commended Governor Oyebanji for his bold initiatives in the education sector, emphasizing that such efforts close the door to crime and open doors of opportunity for the youth. According to him, the administration’s focus on human capital development has positioned Ekiti as a beacon of excellence in education, ensuring that the state continues to produce highly skilled graduates capable of competing globally.
He stated that whenever the door of education is opened, the door of prison is closed, adding that no Ekiti child shall be in prison because they have been equipped with the right knowledge to distinguish between right and wrong. He assured that peace shall continue to reign in Ekiti, and no one shall engage in crime or banditry because quality education is available.
The Senate President also issued a directive to members of the Red Chamber to fast-track the approval for the construction of the Ado-Ijan Ekiti Road, which passes by the new Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport. He stressed that improved road infrastructure would boost economic activities, facilitate movement, and enhance access to the airport, making it a key economic hub for the state.
He instructed that the road from the airport must be appropriated for and completed before his next visit, emphasizing that the best brains and education facilities must be complemented with the best roads.
At the convocation ceremony, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Federal Internal Revenue Service Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, and Chairman of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Mansur Muhtar, were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of their contributions to education, national development, and economic growth.
Senator Akpabio applauded Senator Bamidele for his commitment to education and youth empowerment, emphasizing that the honor was well-deserved.
In his address, Governor Biodun Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to repositioning education as a catalyst for sustainable development. He emphasized that education remains the bedrock of a thriving society and a critical pillar in Ekiti’s roadmap for progress.
He urged the Governing Council of EKSU to embrace creativity and innovation in transforming the institution into a globally competitive center of excellence.
Governor Oyebanji also highlighted EKSU’s recent national ranking as the number one state university in Nigeria and 12th among 270 universities nationwide, as published by Times Higher Education for 2025.
He used the occasion to congratulate Senate Leader, Dr. Opeyemi Bamidele, and other honorees, acknowledging their contributions to education and national development. He particularly praised Bamidele for sponsoring the Bill for the Establishment of a University of Technology and Environmental Studies in Iyin-Ekiti, recently signed into law by the President.
Furthermore, the Governor announced his approval of ₦438,955,884.48 for the judiciary, legislature, and subvented institutions in response to the recent minimum wage increase, urging workers to reciprocate through improved productivity.
Speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of EKSU’s Governing Council, Prof. Akin Oyebode, commended Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering support for education, even in challenging economic times. He assured that the Governing Council would continue to work towards making EKSU a globally recognized institution.
Similarly, EKSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his support, citing the increase in monthly subvention as a morale booster for staff and a key factor in maintaining the university’s stable academic calendar.
On behalf of the honorary degree recipients, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele expressed gratitude to EKSU for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to continue advancing education and national development.
The convocation ceremony was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, academic leaders, and dignitaries who commended EKSU’s achievements and Ekiti State’s continuous strides in education and development.
