Olanipekun Clears Air On Controversies Over School Fees, Reels Out Achievements on ICT, Infrastructure, others

Editor

Ahead of the 27th convocation of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado- Ekiti, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Edward Olanipekun has at a press conference on Monday cleared the air on the alleged disparity in the fees paid by various students of the institution

This follows allegation of over N100.000 diference in school fees between the indigenes and non-indigenes.

But in a sharp reaction, the Vice Chancellor refuted the claim describing it as untrue.

“It is not correct, it depends on the programme, if you are not an indigene and you have been staying in Ekiti and be able to produce 5-year tax clearance payable to the coffer of Ekiti Inland Revenue, you are treated as an indigene.”

The Vice Chancellor vowed to ensure speedy delivery of students transcript that would not exceed 72 hours after request.

“We have put in place a mechanism for online processing and delivery of transcripts to any global destination within 72 hours of request. For the second time, eligible graduands will be collecting their certificates after the ceremony”.

He disclosed that the University would produced 79 first-class honours Graduands during her 27th Convocation Ceremony where 5,963 students would be Convocation.

The VC explained further that, out of the total figure, 79 are in the category of the first class status, 1,847 in the second class upper division, 3,343 in the second class lower division, 332 in the third class and 1 with pass. Others included 58 for the PhD, 86 for Masters and 63 Post Graduate Diploma.

Still on the 27th Convocation Ceremony, Prof. Olanipekun stated further that, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, there will be a Convocation Play at the Main Auditorium of the Institution by 2pm on the second day.

Also, on the second day, Professor Olanipekun revealed that, the 27th Convocation Lecture with the theme: “The University System In Nigeria And The Sustainability Question” will be delivered by the former Vice Chancellor of the Osun State University, Osogbo in Osun State by 1pm at the Main Auditorium of the campus. And by evening time, there will be an Evening with the Vice Chancellor / Drama by 4pm at the 3000 seater Multipurpose Hall.

Olanipekun stated further that, on Wednesday, the third day, the 19th of April, 2023; there will be an Award of Sub-Degree, First Degree and the presentation of prizes / distinctions by 10am at the Main Auditorium.
Also on the last day, which is Thursday, the 20th of April, 2023; Olanipekun maintained that there will be an Award of Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and Doctorate Degrees by 10am at the Main Auditorium.

On the issue around the school closure when students were sent home last week following a protest, Professor Olanipekun promised that the Institution is going to bring them back in phases to write their exams after the upcoming Eidel fitri holiday.

“The issue of student unrest is being addressed, we have finalized on bringing them back in phases after Eid fitri to write the examination. A tripartite committee which shall consist of the representatives of the students, management, and parents would be set up to advise the authority on school fees’.

Olanipekun also debunked the allegation that the institution is planning to downsize its workforce.

Speaking about some of his achievements, Olanipekun dislclosed that various programmes of the university have been accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

” I am happy to report that seventy (86.4%) out of our eighty-one regular academic programmes have full accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC), while eight (9.88%) programmes have interim accreditation, and only one (1.23%) has a denial. The remaining two are those which are yet to mature for accreditation.”
“All our professional programmes, namely Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering have full accreditation by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); MBBS by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN); and LLB by the Council of Legal Education of Nigeria.”

Olanipekun said the university also made success in the area of ICT infrastructure, “Our Directorate of ICT also has the capacity to handle the following, among others: Standard Studio for recording lectures Distance learning Campus wide area internet coverage.
“Ekiti State University deployed a robust e-learning platform via its home-grown portal, in response to the educational challenge in higher institutions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking advantage of our enterprise mailing system with Google, we have unlimited access to Google meet to deliver online Video lectures to our students in real time.
“The LMS platform is studded with many rich features which include IP restrictions (geofencing) and integrated e-examination.Other services offered through our portal include, but not limited to: online admission and registration exercises, Computer-based tests and examinations, and production of customized identity cards.
On the Independent Power Plant project, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanipekun stated, that, he is delighted to report that EKSU is working on it, in collaboration with the Ekiti State Government to bring it to reality.

The VC pointed out that his administration’s prudential acumen was responsible for academic excellence and developmental projects in the institution
Specifically, Olanipekun said his administration had prudently utilized the intervention fund from TETFUND AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT to put in place ultra-modern facilities in the institution in the following areas: Construction and furnishing of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences Complex, Twin Lecture Theatre for Faculty of Social Sciences, Extension of Academic building, Construction of Science Laboratories with modern equipments, Medical Wards for Health Centre.

He stressed further that through the Internally-generated revenue,IGR, of the institution, he renovated the Library, Academic building, 3000- seater hall, 2500-seater PTP auditorium, 1000-seater ETF auditorium, four-in- one lecture theater.

Olanipekun disclosed that he was able to build and furnish Skills Acquisition Workshop for entrepreneurship study centre, construction and equipment of EKSU Water Factory Annex.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated that the ICT compliance of the institution had helped the institution to compete favourably with world class institutions around the globe.

“Our Directorate of ICT handles: Standard Studio for recording lectures, Distance learning and Campus Wide Area internet coverage. Our E- examination centre has 700 functional computers, efforts are on top gear to increase it to 1500 soon”

The Vice Chancellor who commended the ingenuity of Governor Oyebanji for his unflinching support for the institution, Prof. Olanipekun said the newly constituted Board members of the institution led by Prof. Akin Oyebode was a testament that the Governor planned the best for the University