The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved N99.3 million for scholars at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, to conduct critical research projects.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatola Ayodele, made this known on Monday while addressing journalists ahead of the university’s 29th convocation ceremony. He stated that the approved research proposals were deemed worthy by TETFund, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to academic excellence.
Ayodele highlighted the significant progress made under his leadership in the past eight months, noting that the university has recorded substantial growth in line with its core mandates. He revealed that 92 programmes at EKSU have achieved 83.5% full accreditation status.
He also announced that a total of 16,446 students would graduate during the convocation ceremony slated for March 28 and 29, 2025. Among them, 200 students will be awarded First Class honours for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.
Furthermore, the university will confer honorary degrees on notable figures, including Senate Leader and Ekiti Central Senatorial District representative, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji; and the Board Chairman of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Mansur Muhtar.
According to Ayodele, the recognition is in appreciation of their significant contributions to societal development, particularly in the education sector.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended Ekiti State Governor and university visitor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his support in advancing the institution. He praised the governor’s decision to increase the university’s monthly subvention from N260 million to N410 million, which has aided in clearing salary backlogs and fulfilling other financial obligations.
However, Ayodele pointed out that the university’s monthly wage bill stands at N820 million and appealed to the state government for a further increase in subvention. He assured stakeholders, especially parents, that plans are in place to introduce more globally relevant programmes and courses, ensuring EKSU graduates remain competitive in the job market.
