By Editor
TThe Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening state-owned tertiary institutions, particularly in technical and skills-based education.
Oyebanji stated this on Saturday at the maiden Combined Convocation Ceremony of the Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Ijero-Ekiti.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, assured the institution of continued government support through the provision of infrastructure and an enabling environment for effective teaching, learning, innovation and skills development.Ekiti State
He commended the Governing Council and Management of EKSCOTECH for their prudent management of the institution and the progress recorded since its establishment.
Oyebanji said technical and technological education remained critical to equipping young people with practical skills for self-reliance and meaningful contributions to the socio-economic development of Ekiti and Nigeria.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening state-owned tertiary institutions to enable them compete favourably and produce graduates with relevant knowledge and practical skills required in the modern economy.
The combined convocation covered the 2017/2018 to 2025/2026 academic sessions and marked a significant milestone in the history of the institution, particularly following its transition to Polytechnic status.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Dr Femi Thomas, commended Oyebanji for his support to the institution, especially his approval for its conversion to a Polytechnic.
Thomas also appreciated the governor for the regular payment of subvention and extension of the tenure of the Governing Council, saying the measures had contributed to the stability and development of the institution.
The Rector, Dr Olufemi Moses Olubamise, also expressed appreciation to the governor for his interventions and commitment to the development of EKSCOTECH.
Thomas and Olubamise, however, appealed for further government assistance to address some of the institution’s infrastructural needs, including the construction and improvement of access roads and other facilities to enhance the learning environment.
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were Adubiaro; the Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole II, OFR, JP; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Hon. Oloniyo, who represented Senator Opeyemi Bamidele ,the Senate Leader.
Also present were members of the Governing Council and Management, academics, traditional rulers, government officials, graduands, parents and other stakeholders.
The ceremony celebrated graduands from the various academic sessions and underscored EKSCOTECH’s role in producing technical and technological manpower for Ekiti and Nigeria.
