Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital development and institutional capacity to strengthen the state’s education sector.
Oyebanji also called on stakeholders, philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals to complement government’s efforts towards improving education in the state.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, made the commitment on Saturday at the combined convocation ceremony of the Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero-Ekiti, where 5,742 graduands were conferred with National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certificates.
Oyebanji, while congratulating the graduands, assured the institution and other state-owned tertiary institutions of continued government support during his second term to enable them function effectively and provide quality education.
He urged the management of the institution to sustain the progress recorded following its recent transition from a college of technology to a full-fledged polytechnic.
The governor said the development presented an opportunity to expand access to technical and vocational education while improving training and employment prospects for students and graduates.
He said, “Our administration remains committed to strengthening the state’s education sector through sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital development and institutional capacity.”
Oyebanji commended the Governing Council and management of the institution for their efforts in repositioning the school and creating an environment conducive to academic and professional development.
The institution recently attained full polytechnic status, with its academic programmes expanded and additional programmes accredited by the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Femi Thomas, said the institution’s transformation followed deliberate efforts to restore stability, strengthen its foundation and complete its transition to polytechnic status.
Thomas said the council worked towards completing the institution’s transmutation, which eventually culminated in its recognition as a full-fledged polytechnic and accreditation by the NBTE.
According to him, the new status has opened opportunities for the institution, including access to TETFund support, JAMB recognition and participation in the National Youth Service Corps scheme for eligible programmes and graduates.
He, however, appealed for increased government subvention, additional lecturers and improved infrastructure to enable the institution cope with its expanded academic responsibilities.
Thomas identified the development of the permanent South Campus, construction of academic blocks, including facilities for the School of Engineering, as well as the provision of a library and laboratories, among the institution’s priorities.
The Rector of EKSCOTECH, Dr Olufemi Olubamise, said the combined convocation was significant as it brought together graduands from different academic sessions whose ceremonies had not previously been held.
He assured that the institution would henceforth hold its convocation ceremony annually in line with the established practice in higher institutions.