…as BOUESTI Holds Maiden Convocation Ceremony, Convokes 1, 109 Students
By Afolabi Sunday
The Chancellor, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science And technology Ikere Ekiti, (BOUESTI), Chief Wole Olanipekun has charged the graduating students of the institution to face the future challenges with confidence and courage.
The legal luminary stated this at the maiden convocation ceremony of the institution held on Saturday, March 8, at the university’s campus in Ikere Ekiti.
He advised the Graduands to carry along with them as they are stepping into the world the values and knowledge they have gained while they were students of the university.
“You are the torchbearers of a worthy legacy and we have no doubt that you will make BOUESTI proud. I see in each of you the same spirit of determination and resilience that has driven the university’s growth. You are not just graduates, you are pioneers, the first to fly the banner of BOUESTI to the world.
“Remember that your journey does not end here, this is just the beginning. You have been equipped with the knowledge, skill and values to make a difference in the world, embrace the challenges ahead with confidence and courage.”
The Vice Chancellor, Bamidele Olumilua University Of Education Science and Technology, (BOUESTI), Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa in his speech said, the University has come a long way having been established over four years ago.
He said the school set out to adopt the collegiate system, having four Colleges, eleven schools and thirty five departments. Professor Adeoluwa said the pioneer students who are graduating now resumed in May, 2021, in which in total, 2400 Students started as pioneer students.
The Vice Chancellor gave the total number of graduating students as 1109, which consist of 172 of the College of Education, 392 of the College of Science, 499 of the College of Social and Management sciences and 46 of the College of Technology. He highlighted further the classes of degree as 37 in first class, 426 in second class upper division, 586 in second class lower division and 60 in third class.
While advising the graduands, prof. Adeoluwa urged them to always remember to strive to be self reliant, to think out of the box, to venture so that they can win.
The university helmsman explained that most of the modest achievements of the institution in the past four years include; best University of Education in Sub- Saharan award in 2022, at the University of Rwanda, Kigali. Also, the Times Higher Education ranked BOUESTI as the 26th best University in Nigeria among other achievements.
Professor Adeoluwa also acknowledged the immense contribution of the visitor to the University, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his love and passion for human capital development and for increasing the subvention of the institution. Other notable people of note acknowledged by the institution’s Vice Chancellor for their meritorious contributions include, Chief Wole Olanipekun, the Pro Chancellor of the university, Professor Oladipo Aina, members of the governing council and professor Akinjide Osuntokun for the insightful lecture he delivered.
In his speech, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, emphasized the importance of education in transforming a state, saying, “it is education that shapes mind and mould leaders.” He promised to champion the Education sector in the State to a greater height and ensure the grow of BOUESTI by raising the Institution’s social, political and economic standard.
Oyebanji said his administration places high premium on innovation and entrepreneurship that will empower students and young professionals with skills, tools and mind-set necessary for self-reliance, job creation and economic independence.
Governor Oyebanji, who spoke at the first convocation ceremony of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, said his government is not just equipping the youths with academic knowledge but also with practical skills that prepare them for the demands of an evolving world.
He said further that his government has invested heavily in the establishment of entrepreneurial and innovation centers across the state to position graduates to excel not only as employees but as employers, innovators and solution providers.
Congratulating the graduating students for their meritorious success, the Governor charged them to transform the knowledge deposited in them into fruits of service, innovation and excellence.
The highpoint of the event was the conferment of honourary degree of the university on four eminent personalities which include Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Mohammed Sanni Musa, Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adu Alagbado.
Speaking on behalf of other awardees, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah expressed his delight in the leadership style of Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji particularly his commitment to proper funding of the education sector. He thanked the State Governor, and the University for recognizing their contributions to national development. He described the conferment of the honourary degrees as a significant encouragement to continue working towards the betterment of the society.
The occasion was graced by eminent personalities and traditional rulers.
