By Lekan Adejuwon
The Chairman of Council and Pro- Chancellor of the Ekiti state University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Akin Oyebode (SAN) has called on all stakeholders of the University, most expecially the Alumi association, to join hands with him and the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Edward Olanipekun in a bid to reposition the citadel of learning.
The Professor Emeritus, made the call on Wednesday at the 27th convocation ceremony for graduands in Ordinary National Diploma (OND), First Degree programmes and the presentation of prizes to deserving graduands who have been found worthy in character and learning during their studentship in the university.
Expressing his zeal in taking the university out of the woods and repositioning to emerge one of the best globally, he, pointed out that it was important for the Alumi of the University within and outside the country to support its current leadership in the development of institution by giving back to their alma mater.
His words: “In the meantime, I implore our friends, well-wishers and indeed all the stakeholders in the university enterprise including our Alumni to rally round and support the efforts of the university adminstration towards boosting its developmental projects and in ensuring that it ranks among the best in the world.
“I wish to specifically appeal to the graduands to start thinking of what you can contribute now and in the future to making EKSU (your alma mater) an enviable citadel of learning. This university, that has given you so much by finding you worthy both in character and learning . It deserves that you give back to it whatever you consider good enough to elevate it to higher heights such that you would be proud that the university made you, I am sure and you will agree with me that the University is fast becoming a training ground for future entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
“I also wish to admonish you to make use of the knowledge you have acquired in this University yo create a better living standard for yourself and for the good of the society. I implore you to shun all social vices and make yourselves good ambassadors of this great citadel of learning everywhere you find yourself. The knowledge you have acquired should make you creative and have initiative to open several opportunities by not only looking for white collar jobs but to be employers labour.
“The Governing Council under my leadership will work with the University Management to raise the bar of excellence in the University and register it as an adorable brand of global reckoning.
“I enjoin all staff and students to join hands in supporting the vision and mission of the university under the able and dynamic leadership of the Vice- Chancellor, Prof Edward Olanipekun. His concern for the welfare and wellbeing of both staff and students and security of life and property on campus since his assumption of office is, highly commendable”.
In his speech, the VC, Prof. Olanipekun, lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his innitiative in appointing the well travelled, learned and articulate Professor, Oyebode as the school’s Chairman of Council saying his wealth of experience will no doubt, be a blessing for the University.
Olanipekun also apluaded the wisdom of the Governor in the selection of other members of the governing council of the university describing them as men of
capacity and integrity whom he is confident would work with him and the council Chairman to ensure the expected rapid turn around of the university in no distance time.
