By Ayodele Abere
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has charged the new graduands of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti FUOYE, to deploy the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired at the Institution as solid pillars upon which to build meaningful and productive lives.
Tinubu, gave the charge on Saturday during the 10th Convocation ceremony of the Institution held at the University main campus in Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The University visitor, ably represented by the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, emphasized that Post-secondary education remains a critical driver for personal advancement and national development.
“The Federal Government recognises this and is committed to ensuring equitable access to education through pragmatic funding mechanisms and realistic policies.
“While we are not oblivious to the challenges confronting the education sector, particularly higher education, my administration is committed to repositioning the sector for improved outcomes.
“These steps include the operationalisation of the National Education Loan Fund. Through, over 120 billion naira has been disbursed to support indigenous students in Nigerian universities, including this university”, the President remarked.
In his address, the Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa pointed out that evidence abounds that the University has been growing in leaps and bounds, surpassing the initial projections in many respects, and competing favouably with both new and old Institutions in academic, administrative and community service.
“The Federal University Oye-Ekiti, has been a peaceful place, though sometimes we disagreed to agree among ourselves with a conducive environment for academic business where every inhabitant freely operates within the rules and regulations in pursuit of human development”, the Ata Igala and President, Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers stated.
The Pro – Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba said, as young and dynamic Institution in spite of the numerous achievements of the Institution in just over a decade of its establishment, noted that the University still faces with a number of challenges, ranging from infrastructural needs and funding limitations to the necessity to expand their academic programmes to meet global standards.
He however, maintained that the challenges have strengthen their resolve saying the Governing Council is committed to providing strategic leadership and fostering an environment that enables teaching, research, and innovation to thrive sustainably.
“We are actively pursuing partnerships, both locally and internationally, to enhance our curriculum, improve facilities, and promote staff student exchange programme. Our goal is to position FUOYE as a leading Institution, not just within Nigeria, but across Africa and beyond”, said he.
The Vice -Chancellor of the University, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, said a total of 7,684 students graduated from the various Faculties and the Colleges of the University comprising both undergraduate and postgraduate students across all disciplines.
Professor Fasina who explained that he came with twenty point-agenda to reposition the University on assumption of office as Vice-Chancellor, said all items in the twenty-point agenda were accomplished to varying degrees, to the glory of God Almighty as he presented milestones of his stewardship.
At the 10th Convocation of the Institution, the highly revered man of God, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, while speaking on governance stated that “we are in a democratic era, yet many challenges persist”
He therefore advocates developing a deep understanding of the principles that guide democracy.
“We find ourselves in a situation where politicians make promises of a better future that never materialise, while citizens continue to search for genuine progress”, Kukah said.
Highlight of the occasion which had many eminent personalities in attendance was presentation of Honorary Degrees to the deserving individuals.
