Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged continued government support for the Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Ijero-Ekiti, and other state-owned tertiary institutions to enable them function effectively and deliver quality education.
Oyebanji made the commitment on Saturday at the maiden combined convocation ceremony of EKSCOTECH, held at the institution’s Sports Complex in Ijero-Ekiti.
The Governor, who was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habitat Adubiaro, said his administration remained committed to strengthening the state’s education sector through sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital development and institutional capacity.
He said the transformation of EKSCOTECH from its previous status into a full-fledged polytechnic represented an important step towards expanding access to technical and vocational education in the state.
The Governor commended the Governing Council and management of the institution for their efforts in repositioning the Polytechnic and creating an environment capable of supporting academic and professional development.
Oyebanji urged the management to sustain the momentum and ensure that the opportunities created by the institution’s new Polytechnic status translated into better training and improved prospects for students and graduates.
He also called on stakeholders, alumni, philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals to complement government efforts by contributing to the development of the institution.
The Governor’s commitment comes against the backdrop of recent developments at EKSCOTECH, including its transition to full Polytechnic status and the expansion of its academic programmes.
The institution has also secured accreditation for additional programmes from the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE.
EKSCOTECH transformationEarlier in his address, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr ‘Femi Thomas, described the institution’s recent transformation as the product of a deliberate effort to restore stability, strengthen its foundation and complete its long-awaited transition to Polytechnic status.
Thomas recalled that before the present Governing Council was constituted, Governor Oyebanji had expressed concern over the challenges confronting the institution and charged the council to restore order and reposition it for growth.
According to him, the council subsequently worked towards completing the institution’s transmutation, which culminated in its recognition as a full-fledged Polytechnic and accreditation by the NBTE.
He said the development had opened new opportunities for the institution, including access to TETFund support, JAMB recognition and NYSC participation for eligible programmes and graduates.
Thomas, however, identified increased government subvention as one of the immediate needs of the Polytechnic, alongside additional lecturers, infrastructure and other facilities required to sustain the expansion.
He listed the development of the permanent South Campus, construction of academic blocks, including facilities for the School of Engineering, library and laboratories, provision of buses for practical sessions, completion of the clinic and rehabilitation of internal roads at the North Campus among the institution’s priorities.
The Council Chairman also disclosed that the institution had cleared its backlog of staff promotions dating back to 2022, while efforts were being sustained to ensure that promotion exercises did not fall into arrears.5,742 graduands presented
In his address, the Rector of EKSCOTECH, Dr Olufemi Olubamise, said the combined convocation was significant because it brought together graduands from academic sessions whose convocation ceremonies had not previously been held.
He said the ceremony was the second convocation in the history of the institution, following the last edition in 2017, and the first to be held under its new Polytechnic status.
A total of 5,742 graduands were presented for the conferment of National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and other certificates.
The graduating population recorded 343 distinctions, representing 5.97 per cent; 1,951 Upper Credits, representing 33.98 per cent; 2,720 Lower Credits, representing 47.37 per cent; 661 Passes, representing 11.51 per cent; and 67 Merits.
Olubamise said the transformation reflected the institution’s evolution from a Women Development Centre to a School of Health Technology, College and now a Polytechnic.
He noted that the institution had also recorded improvements in digital infrastructure, with campus-wide Wi-Fi deployment, digital identity cards, electronic fee-clearance systems and digital staff attendance management.
According to the Rector, 14 classrooms are now covered by CCTV, contributing to efforts to reduce examination malpractice.
The institution is also seeking further development of its infrastructure, academic programmes and technical capacity as it consolidates its new Polytechnic status.
Council seeks more investmentThomas said the achievements recorded by EKSCOTECH should not be seen as an endpoint, stressing that the institution’s expansion had created additional responsibilities.
He appealed for increased funding to enable the Polytechnic recruit lecturers for its new departments and strengthen its academic programmes.
He also called for greater investment in infrastructure, laboratories, workshops, transportation and other facilities required for practical training.
The Council Chairman urged individuals and organisations with an interest in education and human capital development to support the institution, noting that the progress recorded so far required collective ownership.
Overall best graduating student gets employmentThe overall best graduating student, Iji Alice-Omonya, in her valedictory speech, expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the Polytechnic for their role in shaping the academic and professional future of the graduands.
She said the quality of education and training received at EKSCOTECH would continue to influence the graduates positively as they ventured into the next phase of their lives.Alice-Omonya thanked the institution’s management and lecturers for their sacrifices and commitment to moulding the students into responsible and successful individuals.
In recognition of her outstanding academic performance, the overall best graduating student was offered automatic employment by the institution and also received a cash reward.
Dignitaries receive honorary fellowship awards
The convocation also featured the conferment of honorary fellowship awards on distinguished individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of EKSCOTECH.
Among those honoured were the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Dr Abiodun Arokodare; Hon. Omowunmi Ogunlola; the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr ‘Femi Thomas; the Owa Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Adewole Adebayo; and Mrs Bolanle Oladunjoye.
