By Bamidele Eleniola
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has proposed establishing Ekiti Varsities Science and Technology Fair to bring together tertiary institutions across the state to promote innovation, research, collaboration, and technological advancement.
Professor Ogunwole, a Professor of Soil Science, proposed this during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti. He led members of the University’s management, senior professors and leaders of the institution’s staff unions on the visit.
Describing the meeting as a long-awaited opportunity since assuming office on February 11, the Vice-Chancellor noted that he would mark six months in office on August 10.
He also congratulated the Governor on what he described as his outstanding, people-oriented and development-driven leadership, commending his commitment to good governance and the remarkable progress recorded across Ekiti State under his administration.
According to him, “You don’t make noise; your work speaks volumes. From the streetlights that have improved security at night to the good roads and numerous developmental projects across the state, your achievements are visible for everyone to see. These are the reasons Ekiti people overwhelmingly returned you to office.”
The Vice-Chancellor said Governor Oyebanji’s leadership style has inspired the new administration at FUOYE, resulting in a renewed atmosphere of inclusiveness, peace and industrial harmony.
“Your brand of leadership has taught us a lot. The era of negative news from FUOYE is over. That is why I came here today with our staff union leaders. We are all stakeholders, and we are working together for the progress of the University,” he said.
Professor Ogunwole also commended the developmental initiatives of the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, particularly her interventions in education and social welfare, noting that the University community has benefited immensely from her programmes.
Speaking on the University’s next year convocation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that next year’s event would focus on the theme of the girl-child and education.
He therefore invited the First Lady, Her Excellency, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, to serve as the Convocation Lecturer, describing her as the most qualified personality for the role, considering her passion for education and humanitarian service.
The Vice-Chancellor also appealed to the Governor for support in facilitating the University’s TETFund Special High Impact Project, completing the Oye–Are Road leading to the campus, providing accommodation for guests during the forthcoming convocation, and addressing the institution’s transportation needs.
He also reminded the Governor of his earlier promise to provide a Tata bus for the University. He appealed for the speedy processing of the University’s Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
A major highlight of the visit was the Vice-Chancellor’s proposal for the Ekiti State Universities Science and Technology Fair, which he said would bring together universities and other tertiary institutions across the state to showcase research breakthroughs, innovative projects and technological solutions capable of addressing societal challenges.
According to him, the initiative would provide a platform for students, researchers, academics and innovators to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and harness their collective expertise for the development of Ekiti State and Nigeria.
“Our business in Ekiti is education,” the Vice-Chancellor said. “This Science and Technology Fair will bring all our institutions together to demonstrate the enormous intellectual capacity that exists within the state.”
Responding, Governor Oyebanji congratulated Professor Ogunwole on his appointment and commended the renewed spirit of unity and inclusiveness within FUOYE, describing the current atmosphere in the University as “a breath of fresh air.”
He praised the Vice-Chancellor for carrying staff union leaders along in his administration and urged the unions to continue embracing dialogue instead of industrial action.
“If there is bad news from FUOYE, it affects the image of Ekiti State; I am pleased with your leadership style and the peaceful atmosphere that now exists in the University.”
Governor Oyebanji described the proposed Ekiti State Universities’ Science and Technology Fair as a timely and commendable initiative, noting that he has always been a strong advocate of education, research and innovation.
He encouraged the Vice-Chancellor to develop a comprehensive proposal and engage the heads of other tertiary institutions in the state to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
The Governor stressed that “Ekiti is endowed with highly qualified scholars and researchers whose expertise should be fully utilised to address developmental challenges, rather than relying excessively on external consultants”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with tertiary institutions, assuring the University that its requests would receive due attention.
Governor Oyebanji directed the Secretary to the State Government to expedite action on the University’s Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), pledged support for its transportation needs, and disclosed that the ongoing five-kilometre road project serving the University would be completed before February. He also assured the institution that efforts were underway to improve electricity supply to Oye-Ekiti.
The Governor further commended the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, describing him as “a decent man” and reaffirming the State Government’s readiness to deepen its partnership with FUOYE in advancing education, research and infrastructural development.
The delegation of the Vice Chancellor included the former Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Olubunmi Samuel Shittu; Deputy Vice Chancellor ( Administration), Professor Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, Deputy Vice Chancellor ( Academics), Professor Joshua Babatunde Omotosho; Registrar, Mr Mufutau Adesina Ibrahim; University Librarian, Dr Olabode Olajide; Director, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Mrs Oyeyimika Koyejo-Fasakin; Dean, Physical Sciences, Professor Cecilia Olufunke Akintayo; Director, FUOYE JUPEB, Prof Dosu Malomo; FUOYE ASUU Chair, Comrade Dr Fagbuagun Abayomi Ojo; SSANU Chairman, Comrade Benjamin Oluwaseun Faleye; NANTS Chairman, Comrade Ganiyy Afolabi; Director Public Affairs and Communication, Dr. Sunday Saanu; Protocol Officer, Mr Abiodun Oloniniyi, Chief Security Officer, Captain Raymond Bitanis rtd; among other distinguished members of FUOYE Staff.
Photo credit: Adesoji Gabriel
