Governor Biodun Oyebanj of Ekiti State has urged universities across the country to focus on research initiatives aimed at addressing pressing challenges facing the nation and producing graduates equipped to offer solutions.
The Governor, who reiterated this call on Saturday during the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, emphasized the importance of universities in producing graduates with the necessary skills and mindset to effectively address the pressing challenges facing the country.
Governor Oyebanji, speaking at the event attended by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other eminent personalities, emphasized the significance of cultivating a generation of problem solvers who can facilitate sustainable development.
The Governor urged universities to update their curricula to prioritize critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship, which are essential for addressing the nation’s challenges.
Highlighting the urgent necessity for indigenous solutions to Nigeria’s diverse challenges, Oyebanji underscored the importance of providing students with practical skills and real-world experience through hands-on learning and industry partnerships.
While applauding the University for its numerous achievements in about eight years of establishment, the Governor remarked, “I have observed with great interest the remarkable growth of this university, from 5,041 students to 51,000 in less than eight years, as well as the high standard of scholarship in the institution.”
Governor Oyebanji congratulated the graduands and charged them to take the advantage of the training and learning they have acquired to contribute their quota to the society.
He assured that his government will continue to collaborate with the institution for greater development and growth of the school.
“As a government, we will continue to collaborate with this institution but I plead with you sir, university must put a lot of emphasis on research, we must produces solution providers, people that will help to solve the problem of this country” the Governor asserted
The highpoint of the event was the conferment of honourary degree of the university on three eminent personalities which include Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Solomon Adeola, and Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu.
While Senator Opeyemi Bamidele was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Public laws, Senator Solomon Adeola was conferred with Doctor of Accounting and Rt Hon Yusul Adamu, Doctor of Political science.
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, the Senate majority leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said they valued the honour conferred on them by the university and expressed their profound appreciation for the recognition bestowed upon them
He said the honorary degree conferred on them serves as testament to their dedication, achievement, and commitment to excellence in their respective fields.