By Sunday Afolabi
The Vice Chancellor, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and technology, (BOUESTI) Ikere Ekiti, professor Olufemi Adeoluwa has reiterated the commitment of the management of the institution to imbibe the principle of academic excellence, innovation and community service among the students of the institution.
He made this assertion on Monday while addressing journalists at the press conference for the maiden convocation ceremony of the Institution, held at the Wole Olanipekun Senate building.
In his speech, the vice chancellor stated that the press conference became necessary to showcase the exciting developments and achievements of the institution from the inception as they prepare to hold the first convocation ceremony.
Professor Adeoluwa added that the ceremony is a significant milestone in the history of the university as it marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the founding fathers and staff members who played crucial roles in the establishment and formation of foundational documents of the university.
The Vice Chancellor said the total number of students who will be graduating on 8th march, 2025 is 1,109, out of which 172 graduated from the College of Education, 392 from the College of Science, 499 from the College of Social and Management Sciences and 46 from the College of Technology.
Giving analysis of the performances of the graduating students, the Vice Chancellor said 38 students bag First Class, 425 came out with Second Class Upper, 586 in Second Class Lower and 60 in Third Class. “To our graduating students, I offer my warmest congratulations. Their hard work, perseverance and dedication have earned them this moment of triumph. As they go forth, they need to remember that their education is not just a credential but a catalyst for growth, innovation and positive impact “.the vice chancellor said.
In the VC’s word, “Our institution has a rich history, founded on the principles of academic excellence, innovation and community service. Our mission is to generate, disseminate, advance knowledge and groom students in education, Science and technology with the aim of bringing this knowledge to finding solutions to the major challenges facing our immediate society and the world’s challenges in the 21st century.”
Prof Adeoluwa said 2400 students resumed in May, 2021 as pioneer students into the initially approved forty five (45) programmes of the university. According to him, some of the students with four year programmes will be graduating now while students with five – year programmes are still left with one year to complete their programmes.
The Vice Chancellor noted some of his achievements to include: A well equipped library where students have access to the Internet to broaden their knowledge, several lecture theatres with solar lights, a radio station ( BOUESTI 96. 3FM) to enhance the professionalism of their mass communication students.
The BOUESTI helmsman also said the institution has ICT Hub with computers, internet facility and standby generator, Vocational Education Workshop Complex with intervention of TETFUND.
Also, donation of a three-story Senate building to the university by the Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN):
Others include award of the African Outstanding University of Education in 2023 during the 2023 African Education Summit held at the University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda, award of the Outstanding State University in the Southwest region at the Nigeria Hemisphere Awards; and also listed as the 26th best University in Nigeria by the Times Higher Education 2023 Sub-Saharan University and several others.
The Vice Chancellor however called on well meaning Nigerians and authorities to help the institution replace some of the dilapidated structures in the campus. Adding that the institution is in need of hostels for the students.
As part of the programmes lined up for the convocation is conferment of honorary degrees on eminent Nigerians which include: Senator Mohammed Sani, Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tunji Olowolafe, Enugu State governor, His Excellency Peter Mbah and the royal father of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Ademiji Adu.
