Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Tasks State-Owned Varsities on Stable Academic Calendar for Enhanced Excellence

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has urged management of state-owned universities to prioritize a stable and predictable academic calendar, describing it as a vital measure to boost educational quality and rebuild trust in the tertiary education sector across the state.

The governor made this call on Monday during a courtesy visit by the senior management team of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), led by the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Babatunde Omojola, at the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti. Oyebanji emphasized that constant disruptions to academic activities often hamper students’ learning outcomes and impose undue hardships on them, their parents, and guardians.

He further noted that maintaining a consistent calendar would not only foster academic excellence but also position the institutions as more appealing options for prospective students, researchers, and international partners. The governor reiterated that education remains a cornerstone of his administration’s development blueprint, aimed at transforming Ekiti into a knowledge-driven economy.

Oyebanji called on university administrators, staff unions, and governing councils to foster open dialogue and adopt proactive strategies for resolving conflicts, thereby averting unnecessary strikes and shutdowns that adversely impact students. He commended BOUESTI for its impressive growth trajectory, attributing it largely to the university’s unwavering commitment to a stable academic schedule, which has drawn increasing enrollment from across the country.

While congratulating Prof. Omojola on his elevation to the position of the second substantive Vice-Chancellor—as earlier reported by NaijaChoice News—the governor encouraged him to sustain the legacies of his predecessor, Prof. Olufemi Victor Adeoluwa, particularly in upholding the institution’s reputation for timely programme completion. Oyebanji stressed that the appointment was merit-based, expressing optimism in Omojola’s ability to elevate BOUESTI’s academic standards, institutional resilience, and global standing.

The governor pledged continued government support through investments in infrastructure, staff welfare, and reforms to align the university with international benchmarks. “I am so much happy with what is happening in BOUESTI; I am very proud of the achievements that have been recorded so far,” Oyebanji said. “Let me use this opportunity to express my gratitude to other management staff for your cooperation and understanding, and to the unions and students for being responsible. At least we have managed to have a peaceful atmosphere in the university, and one thing that is responsible for your growth is because you have a stable academic calendar. Students know that when they come to BOUESTI, they will spend four years for a four-year course, and five years for a five-year course—that is why they are rushing to the institution. So, whatever it is going to cost you, please make sure that tradition remains unbroken.”

In his response, Prof. Omojola thanked Governor Oyebanji for the appointment and acknowledged the administration’s substantial backing, visionary guidance, and dedication to advancing education in Ekiti. He revealed that his first meeting with the governor occurred shortly after the announcement of his role. Outlining his roadmap, the new VC vowed to propel BOUESTI into the ranks of Nigeria’s top 10 universities, Africa’s top 100, and the global top 1,000 through focused efforts on academic brilliance, innovative research, and operational stability.

Research indicates that Prof. Omojola, a seasoned academic from the University of Ibadan with expertise in music and humanities, assumed office following his appointment in November 2025 and formal inauguration in January 2026, succeeding Prof. Adeoluwa whose five-year term concluded on January 6, 2026. His vision aligns with Oyebanji’s broader agenda to make Ekiti’s tertiary institutions competitive on the world stage.

Present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Olabimpe Aderiye; Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof. Akeem Azeez; Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode; and other dignitaries.

NaijaChoice News reports that this development underscores the Oyebanji administration’s commitment to educational reforms, amid ongoing efforts to address challenges like funding and infrastructure in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.