By Ayodele Abere
To be a world class Institution recognised and noted for self-reliance, projecting culturally sound and disciplined researchers, and products that are committed to learning for gainful engagement for the proper education of the total man, remain the vision of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI).
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa, reaffirmed the commitment of the management of the Institution to foster safe, positive and inclusive learning environment in pursuance of the vision.
Professor Adeoluwa stated this on Monday while addressing journalists during the press conference held for the first convocation ceremony of the Institution.
According to him, “the realization of the vision is being supported by the availability of required facilities such as well-equipped library where every reader has a free access to the Internet”.
The Vice Chancellor added that there are major Lecture Theatres on campus being equipped with solar lights to enhance access to them in the evening. He stressed that efforts are on to create a Technology Hub on campus with 24 hours internet and power supply where students can develop and try out their skills.
The University Administrator said that work has already begun on the Technology Hub, adding that the University equally established a Radio Station (BOUESTI 96.3FM), to enhance the quality of Mass Communication programme among others.
On the numerous achievements of the University since inception, Professor Adeoluwa noted that the National Universities Comission granted forty-five programmes for the university for a start which he described as uncommon for NUC to do for a new university.
Adding that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board also granted a quota of two thousand, two hundred and fifty to the university in 2021 as against the common quota of five hundred.
The VC stated that a total of N438. 495,390, has been attracted through TETFUND Zonal Intervention for five consecutive years which he said have been committed to the purchase and installation of furniture and laboratory equipment, saying the university benefited from the TETFUND Special Disaster Recovery Intervention Projects in 2022.
Others include the three-storey glass house Senate building donated by the university Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN amongst several others.
However, as a total number of one thousand, one hundred and nine students would be graduating at the Maiden Convocation Ceremony of the University on Saturday, 8th March, 2025, the Vice Chancellor pointed out that the university is not without challenges, noting that most of the buildings in the institution are old and dilapidated, and that some of them need outright re-roofing.
Professor Adeoluwa also maintained that the monthly subvention from the State Government is inadequate for the university, and that the university has a lot of debts to pay, and maintain the old structures as well.
The VC explained that the university is left at the mercy of TETFUND for physical development as he hinted that the University hasn’t received either capital or take – off grant from the State government.
While pledging to continue to provide a world class education that empowers the students of the university to become leaders and responsible citizens, Professor Adeoluwa said four eminent personalities would be conferred with honourary degrees during the convocation ceremony. They are; His Royal Majesty, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu,, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, Senator Sani Muhammed Musa and Dr. Tunji Olowolafe .
He appreciated the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji and Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN for their unwavering support, deep commitment to the growth of the Institution, and continued philanthropic gestures.